McEvoy upstages Magnussen

SYDNEY: Cameron McEvoy again upstaged dual world champion James Magnussen in the final of the 100m freestyle at Australia’s world championships trials.

Defending champion McEvoy claimed his third win in four meets over Magnussen on Tuesday by clocking the year’s fastest time of 48.06 seconds ahead of the London Olympics silver medallist (48.18). Tommaso D’Orsogna (48.54) took bronze.

McEvoy is making a habit of beating Magnussen after also claiming the Pan Pacs 100m gold medal on Australia’s Gold Coast in August last year.

“I do take pride in being consistent,” McEvoy told reporters.

“But getting up racing against Magnussen, I may as well be racing a bunch of 10 year olds – I am still going to do my own race and not worry about who is beside me.”

At least Magnussen’s top- two finish gives him a chance to defend his title at July’s world championships in Kazan, Russia. “I don’t need to be going really fast at this time of year – I have got to peak at the right time,” he said.

Magnussen said it would be a “big mistake” to question his controversial coaching switch despite again finishing second best to McEvoy.

Australian head coach Jacco Verhaeren had made it clear he would scrutinise Magnussen’s national titles display after his surprise departure from Brant Best, who led him to two world 100m freestyle titles.

But Magnussen, 23, insists he has no regrets about linking up with new mentors Mitch and Lach Falvey despite clocking a 100m time slower than last year’s 47.92 national silver winning effort.

“I think I have shown I have early speed – I just need to work on my back end,” he said.

“I need to trust the process. It’s a small step forward – I was faster than the Pan Pacs (where he earned 100m bronze in 48.36).