Jackson fastest in 200m freestyle heats

Posted: Tuesday 17th March 2009 | 12:47

JO Jackson has continued her red-hot form at the British Gas national championships, as she cruised through the 200m freestyle heats.

Jackson continues her form in Sheffield
ON A ROLL: Jo Jackson continues her excellent form in Sheffield, and qualfies fastest in the 200m freestyle (SWpix.com)

The 22-year-old Olympic bronze medallist, fresh from setting a new world record and claiming the scalp of Rebecca Adlington in the 400m freestyle, qualified quickest for tonight's semi-final in Sheffield.

Jackson stormed home in 1:58.23 minutes ahead of fellow Loughborough swimmer Caitlin McClatchey, who was 0.60 seconds off the pace.

Adlington, whose main focus this week will be capturing 800m freestyle gold, came home third fastest in a credible time of 2:00.23m.

Scotland's Hannah Miley also booked her place in the semi-finals, finishing fourth fastest but her real priority will be defending her 200m and 400m medley crowns.

In the men's 200m freestyle, David Davies looks in ominous form as he bids for his second gold medal of the competition, having defended his 400m freestyle title yesterday.

The 24-year-old from Cardiff, who picked up open water silver at the Beijing Olympics, clocked 1:48.11m, but was closely followed into the final by fellow Olmpian Ross Davenport, who was 0.55 secs slower.

Scottish duo Andrew Hunter and Robbie Renwick were also in good form and will contend the medals in tomorrow's final, having qualified third and fourth fastest respectively.

RYAN BANGS in Sheffield