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ROME, Italy, July 30. A pair of swimmers cleared 53 seconds to make their way into the finals of the women's 100 free at the FINA World Championships.
Australia's Libby Trickett posted the top seeded time with a 52.84, which is the fourth-fastest ever. Germany's Britta Steffen, who holds the world record with a 52.22 from relay work this week, touched second in 52.87.
Amanda Weir of the U.S. lowered her American record from prelims of 53.20 with a third-seeded time of 53.02, while Fran Halsall of Great Britain finished fourth in 53.05.
The Netherlands' Ranomi Kromowidjojo (53.31), Denmark's Jeanette Ottesen (53.41), the United States' Dana Vollmer (53.55) and Hungary's Evelyn Verraszto (53.74) completed the rest of the championship field.