Simmonds plans European Duel in the Pool fight back

By George Scott, Sportsbeat, in Manchester

LIZZIE Simmonds insists her European team-mates will come out all guns blazing on Saturday after receiving a drubbing at the hands of America on day one of Duel in the Pool in Manchester.

 

ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL: Lizzie Simmonds claimed maximum points for Europe in the 200m backstroke (Getty Images)

Simmonds smashed her own European record on the way to winning the 200m backstroke at what has been dubbed the ‘Ryder Cup of swimming'.

And World Championship silver medallist Fran Halsall bagged maximum points for the European team with victory in the 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly.

But America, led by 14-time Olympic champion Michael Phelps, dominated the night and hold an 89-33 lead at the halfway stage.

And 18-year-old Simmonds believes the result will spur the European select into action on day two.   

"I've never experienced such intense head-to-head racing like that," said Simmonds.  

"The score isn't upsetting anyone to be honest. Everyone's having a great time and just doing the best they can.

"The Americans have got a great team and have a lot of depth. We might win the occasional one but they're just rocking them out swim after swim.

"All credit to them tonight but we'll come back tomorrow with a new mindset and we'll just go for it.

"The USA are one of the toughest swimming nations in the world so just to be here racing against them is a fantastic experiences."

While Simmonds and Halsall led the European charge, Great Britain's men failed to impress with local boy Michael Rock's third in the men's 100m butterfly the best result.

And Simmonds, who collected world short course silver in Manchester last year, admits the timing of the event makes it difficult to prepare.

"We've got a really strong team here but everyone's at different stages of their training and some people have barely rested," added Simmonds.

"We've had a few easy sessions this week to get ready for tonight and maybe the boys haven't, because the distance boys are still rocking out big metres.

"It's tough racing at this time of year, you're never going to have an easy race, but it's great experience to be here."

 * British Gas and British Swimming. The nation's leading energy supplier, British Gas, is the Principal Partner of British Swimming, supporting the sport at all levels: 'From paddling pool to podium'. For more information visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming