BUDAPEST 2010: Reprieved Tancock digs deep to seize 100m bronze

By David Jordan, Sportsbeat, in Budapest 

LIAM Tancock was offered a late reprieve at the European Championships in Budapest - and he seized it with both hands to clinch 100m backstroke bronze.

SECOND CHANCE: Liam Tancock seizes his second chance with both hands and grabs 100m backstroke bronze in Budapest (Reuters)

The 25-year-old finished ninth fastest in the semi-finals on Monday and appeared to be heading out, only for a late withdrawal to hand Tancock a second chance.

And while, by his own admission Tancock, the world record holder and world champion over 50m, is prioritising October's Commonwealth Games this season, he gritted his teeth to claim bronze from lane eight.

"I quite like the outside lane - I'm a bit of an outside smoker!" said Tancock, who touched home in 53.86. "I wasn't really prepared yesterday but I jumped at the chance to come back into the final.

"Chances like that only become available once and so you have to take them and even though I'm not really ready I just love to race and it's great to come here and pick up a medal."

Gold went to France's Camille Lacourt, who blitzed home in 52.11 to set a new European record while silver went to compatriot Jeremy Stravius, who touched home a full 1.33 off the pace.

Meanwhile, Fran Halsall continued her effortless form and cruised into the 100m freestyle final in Budapest.

The 20-year-old, who scooped world silver in Rome last year, helped Great Britain to 4x100m freestyle silver on Monday and in the individual competition she was once more on song.

She dominated her semi-final and was leading from the front at the halfway stage, only to ease down in the closing stages and happily settle for second, with one eye already on tomorrow's final.

"I was pleased with that, it was a job well done," said Halsall. "I'm pretty happy with how I went and it feels like there's a lot more to come.

"I thought I'd ease down in the final 25m because you have to leave something in the tank for the final but with the morning off tomorrow I'm going to be ready for the final."

Fastest in qualifying was Sweden's Sarah Sjoestroem in 54.01 while the Netherlands' Femke Heemskerk was just 0.08 off the pace with Halsall a further 0.07 behind.

But there was not such good news for compatriot Amy Smith, who despite being part of the silver-medal winning relay quartet, could only finish sixth in her semi, ensuring she fails to reach the final.

 The nation's leading energy supplier British Gas is the Principal Partner of British Swimming, and have pledged £15m to support the sport at all levels - from paddling pool to podium. For more information visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming