Peaty and Murdoch are ready for round three of their private duel

WITH one gold apiece already at the European Aquatics Championships, Adam Peaty and Ross Murdoch will likely break the deadlock on their private duel when they face off, yet again, on the penultimate evening of the event in London. Given that this week was merely meant to gently tune both Britons up for the Olympics, it has raised expectations for what further advances might be accomplished come Rio. Peaty will start as favourite to surpass the Scot in tonight’s 50 metres breaststroke final after pushing close to his world record in last night’s semifinals. “It felt easy,” the 21-year-old from Derby declared. However Murdoch – who took silver behind the Englishman in the 100m before winning the 200m – adjusted his start and then finished with a speedy time of 27.25 seconds to claim victory in the other semi.

“I’m delighted,” he said. “That’s the fastest I’ve been since the Commonwealth Games trials. I’ve not been that quick since and I broke my personal best by 3/100th of a second. I tried something new and it seemed to have worked out.”

The British team go into the final weekend sitting second to Hungary in the medal standings. However Molly Renshaw just missed another podium in a frenetic 200m breaststroke final, finishing fourth after leading at half-way.

The 20-year-old from Mansfield slipped back on the last length but still lowered the English record to 2:23.18 as Denmark’s world record holder Rikki Moeller Pedersen seized gold. “It did hurt down the last 50 metres,” said Renshaw, whose team-mate Chloe Tutton came sixth. “But with more training into Rio, it should come a lot easier.”

Tim Shuttleworth was fifth in the 800m free final, won by Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri in a championship record of 7:42.33. City of Glasgow’s Camilla Hattersley missed out on the 200m free final with the Scottish prospect seventh in her semi in 2:00.27. While Fran Halsall earned the chance to defending her European 50m backstroke title after leading team-mate Georgia Davies to a 1-2 in their semi.

Meanwhile Robbie Renwick wants the UK’s relay squad to dominate today’s 4x200 freestyle and show they’re ready to add the Olympic title to world gold. “It’s a massive exciting opportunity,” the Aberdonian said.

Out of form Scot Dan Wallace will chase redemption in tomorrow’s 400m individual medley while Hattersley and Hannah Miley are due to meet in the heats of the 400m free.