Simmonds downs Spofforth with personal best to take 100m

From Chris Cottrell, Sportsbeat, in Sheffield

LIZZIE Simmonds stepped out from behind world champion Gemma Spofforth's shadow to retain her 100m backstroke title at the British Gas Swimming Championships in Sheffield.

TWO AT THE TOP: Lizzie Simmonds retains her 100m backstroke title, beating world champion Gemma Spofforth in a personal best 59.43 seconds (Getty Images / British Gas Swimming Championships)

The 19-year old was victorious in the absence of Spofforth at Ponds Forge 12 months ago but played second fiddle to the Florida-based star at last summer's World Championships where Spofforth struck gold in a world record 58.12 seconds.

But with European and Commonwealth qualification at stake for the winner, Simmonds wasn't going to relinquish her national crown without a fight and set the second fastest time in the world  this season of 59.84 seconds in the semi finals.

A dramatic final ensued on Wednesday night, but it was Simmonds who prevailed, setting a new personal best of 59.43 seconds and touching home 0.03 ahead of Spofforth with Stephanie Proud third.

But despite their fierce rivalry in the pool, Simmonds insisted she and Spofforth are close friends and was adamant it's no fluke they are at the top of the world order.

"It was a great race today and it's always pleasing to get a personal best," said Simmonds.

"Gemma and I are obviously rivals in the pool but outside, we are great friends.

"To have someone like Gemma in the lane next to you is probably the best you can have. Everyone knows how much hard work we both put in so it's great to be pushing up there with the best in the world."

Spofforth has made no secret she is running on empty in Sheffield, having captained her Florida University team to victory in the NCAA Championships just over a week ago.

But the 22-year old made no excuses for her defeat in Sheffield and admitted she would use it as motivation for the 200m backstroke on Friday.

"I'm pulling out of the 50m to focus on the 200 so we'll see how that goes," said Spofforth.

"I'm not going to get down about the result today - if anything it's just going to motivate me to do better in the 200m on Friday.

"The American college season is over now so I can concentrate on the long course swimming for the rest of the year.

"But I'm not going to criticise the system. I wouldn't be the racer I am without that system."

While Simmonds and Spofforth stole the show with their race, there were enthralling head-to-head contests in the finals of the women's 100m freestyle and 200m breaststroke.

World silver medallist Fran Halsall was expected to sail through the 100m freestyle final, but was pushed all the way by Loughborough teammate Amy Smith before winning in 54.71 seconds, just 0.15 ahead of Smith.

Defending champion Hannah Miley was not so lucky in the 200m breaststroke as she was edged out in the stretch for the wall by 21-year old Stacey Tadd.

Bath University student Tadd eventually touched home in 2:29.66 minutes with Miley 0.61 seconds back in second and Loughborouh's Kate Hutchinson third.

IN PICTURES: Day three from the British Gas Swimming Championships in Sheffield

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