Bovell fails to advance in 100m backstroke

At the Aquatic Centre, Bovell, who will also be competing in the 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle, won heat two (of six heats) in 55.22 seconds, ahead of Colombia’s Omar Garcia (55.37) and Pedro Medel of Cuba (55.40).

But the 28-year-old was unable to progress to yesterday’s semi-final phase, as his time was the 29th fastest overall, with the top 16 advancing to the semis.

Bovell, on his Twitter page on Saturday, admitted that yesterday’s race was “just a warm-up” and urged his fans “don’t get too excited.”

After his first round elimination, he wrote, “new career best and national record. Showing nice early speed, a good sign for my 50 (freestyle) on Thursday.”

Today’s final will feature (semi-final times in brackets) Matthew Grevers of the United States (52.66), Camille Lacourt of France (53.03), Liam Tancock of Great Britain (53.25), Ryosuke Irie of Japan (53.29), Nick Thoman of the US (53.47), Feiyi Cheng of China (53.50), Helge Meeuw of Germany (53.52) and Hayden Stoeckel of Australia (53.74).

Sailor Andrew Lewis will also be among a field of 49 for the Men’s Laser Class at Weymouth and Portland, and he will be in action from 7 am today.

On his Twitter page, Lewis wrote yesterday, “had a great last day on the water today. Tomorrow, come na, am ready for you.”

Today will feature Races One and Two, tomorrow will have Races Three and Four, with Races Five and Six on Wednesday’s spotlight, Races Seven and Eight on Friday’s agenda and Races Nine and Ten will be staged on Saturday. And the medal race will take place on August 6.

In this category, points are awarded in each race, with the winner getting one point, the second getting two points etcetera.

After the 10th race, points from the worst races are discarded while the remaining points are added together.

The 10 best sailors will advance to the medal race, while their respective points are doubled (first place getting two points etc). The points total after the medal race determines the placings and the competitor with the lowest number of points will be adjudged the winner.