Cassie Patten tips Keri-Anne Payne for open water world crown

CASSIE Patten is convinced fellow Olympic medallist Keri-Anne Payne has what it takes to capture open water gold at next month's World Championships in Rome.

DOUBLE TROUBLE: Cassie Patten (right) will be absent from the World Championships in Rome next month but is tipping Keri-Anne Payne (left) to go all the way

Patten picked up 10km marathon bronze, one place behind compatriot Payne, at the Beijing Olympics as GB dominated the open water events with David Davies also collecting silver in the men's race.

While Payne cruised to victory in the qualifying event for the World Championships in Israel, Patten was absent from the competition with food poisoning.

The stringent qualification criteria, unwilling to show flexibility, ensured Patten's hopes of competing in Rome were over, something she found particularly difficult to stomach.  

But the 22-year-old is not one to hold a grudge and Patten will be keeping her fingers crossed Payne can get revenge on Olympic champion Larisa Ilchenko, who pipped her in the final 100m in Beijing.

"I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for Keri-Anne," said Patten. "It's going to be in the sea which for these events is not usually the case so it'll be a tough race but I'm sure she can cope.

"The fact that the Russian girl is going to be there will make it tough but I've got every confidence Keri-Anne can get gold.

"I was understandably gutted when I found I couldn't go but the rules are very strict about it - I did try and appeal but I had no joy.

"It's a shame but the way I look at it greatness isn't just about being great, it's also about overcoming obstacles along the way.

"It's all part of a learning curve and I'm still quite young so there's plenty of time to put things right."

While Patten saw her World Championships hopes dashed, the Stockport Metro swimmer has been given a significant boost by Kellogg's, who have announced a £3m sponsorship renewal with British Swimming.

Part of that financial influx will aid Patten, along with diver Nick Robinson-Baker, Paralympic swimmer Sam Hynd and synchronized swimmer Olivia Allison on their path to London 2012.

"It's a fantastic opportunity and it's a real weight off my mind," said Patten. "It's great to know you're performances are being recognised and the funding will go a long way.

"There's a mentoring scheme as well which is really positive and hopefully we can inspire some of the Olympians of tomorrow."

Kellogg's will invest £3m over the next three years, supporting a grass root to gold medals programme of swimming and will also be the official breakfast of British Swimming at the World Swimming Championships in Rome.