Benson’s lifeline for a place at the Games

CRAIG BENSON last night earned himself the chance of a Commonwealth Games place at the British Gas Championships at Tollcross. Up until then the Sportsmail columnist had been unable to secure a Team Scotland place for Glasgow 2014 but has now found form in the nick of time. At last week’s Scottish Championships, the 19-year-old finished third in the final of the 100 metres breaststroke in 1:01.58 mins — 0.01secs outside the standard, with only the top three Scots who make the time assured of their Games place. Last night, he clocked a quicker 1:01.42 and now needs a repeat in tonight’s final to claim his 2014 berth. Benson was only 17 when he qualified for the London Olympics in 2012 and it would be heartbreaking for the youngster if he didn’t make it to his home Commonwealths. Ross Murdoch, the Scottish record holder, won his semi-final in 1:00.16 ahead of Olympic silver medallist, Michael Jamieson (1:00.85). England’s Adam Peaty won the other semi in 59.83secs. Roberto Pavoni, held off Scot Lewis Smith to win the 400m individual medley. Smith had already won the Scottish title last Sunday and claimed his place in Team Scotland. Last night, he posted a 4:15.76 time and finished second to Pavoni’s 4:12.24, who recorded a a personal best. England’s James Guy, who had set a British record in the 400m freestyle on Thursday, added another gold in the 200m, although his time of 1:47.54 was almost a second slower than Robbie Renwick’s Scottish Championship victory. Edinburgh University’s Corrie Scott, the Scottish Champion, took the bronze medal in the 50m breaststroke. Scott’s fellow Commonwealth Games qualifiers Andrea Strachan (31.85secs) and Kathryn Johnstone (32.06secs) followed her home in fourth and fifth.