Scott now eyes relay after miss in 200m medley

Scotland’s Duncan Scott will now target relay glory in the world swimming championships after his bid for a second individual medal fell short in Gwangju, South Korea, yesterday.

The 22-year-old from Glasgow missed out on the podium in a blanket finish in the 200 metres individual medley to finish fifth, despite a late charge spurred by the quickest freestyle leg.

His time of 1:56.91 is the second-fastest of his career but was adrift of Japan’s Daiyo Seto, who struck gold ahead of Switzerland’s Jeremy Desplanches with defending champion Chase Kalisz third.

But Scott, who picked up a 200m freestyle bronze earlier this week,

“It came down to the wire. I’ve moved it on each round”

is now primed to help the British team defend their 4x200 freestyle title today off a satisfying effort.

“It came right down to the wire,” said the Scot, who may be rested in the relay heats.

“But I’ve got to be happy with fifth place at worlds in the first time I’ve done it internationally.

“And I’ve moved it on each round. It’s the second-fastest time I’ve done. It’s been quite a tough week. It’s been consecutive every day. But I’m pleased with that. I’ve just got relays now and I’ve got to look forward to them.”

His Stirling University team-mate Ross Murdoch saw no silver lining in his disappointing exit from the 200m breaststroke in the semi-finals.

The former European and Commonwealth champion, 25, produced a sluggish last length to end up only 11th quickest in 2:08.51, over a halfsecond down on his time in April’s British championships.