Return to textile suits clearly suits Simmonds

BEVERLEY'S Lizzie Simmonds added the 200m backstroke crown to the 100m title she won on Wednesday at Ponds Forge.

The 19-year-old was the fastest in the world in 2010 coming into the race. Coming off the final turn, she was inside Gemma Spofforth's Commonwealth record pace but finished 0.13 outside in a personal best of 2:06.79. Spofforth, world 100m backstroke champion, was second, 2.39 adrift, with Stephanie Proud third.

Simmonds said: "It (not getting the Commonwealth record) just means there is more to come."

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Simmonds' performances are especially impressive considering the return to textile suits, something she welcomes.

"I'm so glad they are gone," she said."It takes 30 minutes off my preparation time before the race.

"It is great for me, I am not missing them at all."