Adlington hands Europe perfect start to day in Manchester

By George Scott, Sportsbeat, in Manchester

REBECCA Adlington handed the European team the perfect start to the second day, cruising to victory in the women's 800m freestyle.

BETTER START: Rebecca Adlington kicks off day two of Duel in the Pool with comfortable victory in 800m (Getty Images)

The double Olympic champion finished second in the 400m freestyle on Friday but took no chances in upgrading to first on Saturday, finishing in 8:10.59 minutes.

Although Alessia Filippi's world record of 8:04.53 mins rarely looked under threat, the Brit finished 7.02 seconds clear of Keri-Anne Payne in second with 16-year old American Amber McDermott another 4.2 secs back in third.

And while Adlington admitted individual second and first in Manchester were the perfect antidote to a tough year, she insisted she was awaiting next year's long course season with baited breath.

"It has been really difficult for me this season so I'm really pleased with how I've swum here," said Adlington, who was visibly upset after claiming double bronze at July's World Championships in Rome.

"I would like to have gone a bit quicker, but I'm not really a short course specialist.  In fact, I don't really like short course at all so I'm definitely looking forward to the long course season now.

"But it's really big deal for the American team to come here and compete and the format is a good one which will hopefully increase interest in swimming in this country."

Meanwhile, David Davies broke the British record in the men's 800m freestyle to finish third behind Europe's Federico Colbertaldo and America's Chad La Tourette.

Davies eventually touched home in 7:36.47 mins with Colbertaldo setting a new European record of 7:31.18 mins to win.

Britain's Fran Halsall, who bagged two wins on Friday, medalled again in the 200m freestyle on Saturday, setting a new British record of 1.53.79 mins.

But the American team captured maximum points in the two 200m freestyle events with Alison Schmitt, who beat Adlington in Friday's 400m, taking victory in the women's event and Peter Vanderkaay touching home first in the men's.

Michael Phelps started his session with third in the 200m, finishing 0.91 secs behind his teammate in first.