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McLean, the Commonwealth record-holder, was seventh in the faster second semi-final to finish 15th overall and miss out on a top-eight spot for tomorrow night's final.

Swimming in the outside lane, McLean went through the first 50m last in 30.12 and finished with a 1:01.80, nearly a second outside her Commonwealth record set in Melbourne last year.  The 25-year-old, who broke the New Zealand 100m freestyle record in the relay yesterday, was 12^th fastest qualifier but could not repeat her qualifying effort of last year in Montreal.

McLean, who was chasing a medal in this event, was bitterly disappointed that she did not fire. “Hannah is very capable of making that final but there was none of her usual verve and energy. The swim looked quite mechanical,” head coach Jan Cameron said.

“She has swum faster than this in training. It was a very hot field out there and perhaps the nerves got to her. It looked a very nervous swim. What can I say? I just don’t have an answer.”

Six of her semi-final qualified for the final while McLean was not the only favoured swimmer to miss out with former world record holder Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe) only seventh in the first semi-final.

Tomorrow’s main hopes for the New Zealanders lie with Commonwealth Games finalist Moss Burmester in his favoured event, the 200m butterfly along with Dunedin’s Andrew McMillan.

Also in action is Glenn Snyders in the 50m breaststroke, Helen Norfolk and Melissa Ingram in the 200m freestyle and Robert Voss in the 800m freestyle.

For interviews contact: Mark Saunders, Team Manager, Tel 0061 437 078533 

For further information: Ian Hepenstall, Sports Media NZ, Tel 0275 613181, E: ianhep@xtra.co.nz