Liam Tancock Defends World 50m Backstroke Title

Liam Tancock defended his 500m backstroke work title in Shanghai - in what was a third gold medal for team GB.

Tancock won the title two years ago but despite defending this crown and being the world record holder the 50m backstroke will not be part of the swimming programme at the Olympics in 2012.

He looked sluggish in the heats but came alive in the semi-finals as he powered to the win and qualified in the fastest time.

Despite this fastest time France's Camille Lacourt perhaps a slight favourite ahead of the race having won the 100m backstroke earlier in the week.

But with a time of 24.50 seconds he clinched the gold medal with Lacourt finishing in second and Gerhard Zandberg.

Speaking to The Independent he said: "What can I say? 2009 I became world champion and it was one of those special moments, standing on the podium, listening to the national anthem, waving to the crowd, my team-mates.

"To do it again two years later and retain the title against tough opposition... I loved it."

It was one of two medals on the final day of the 14th world championships as Hannah Miley picked up a silver medal in the 400m individual medley.

Despite a poor fly Miley powered back over the next three strokes to edge out Stephanie Rice for silver in 4:34.22. America's Elizabeth Beisel won the gold.

The two other golds of the meet came from Keri-Anne Payne won the open water event while Rebecca Adlington too the 800m freestyle crown - she also picked up a silver over 400m.

But there was disappointment for Fran Halsall as she finished fourth in the 50m free style - her second 4th place of the meet.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw