Swimming: Batchelor 29th at Dubai

Sophia Batchelor. Photo / John Borren

New Zealand's Sophia Batchelor failed to qualify for the semifinals of the women's 100m backstroke on the first day of the world short-course swimming championships at Dubai, United Arab Emirates, overnight (NZT).

The 15-year-old from Christchurch had been ranked 18th going into the event but finished 29th of 61 competitors after clocking one minute 0.66 seconds in her heat, which was more than three seconds behind the top qualifier, Melissa Franklin of the United States.

Batchelor, New Zealand's sole qualifier for the 25m pool championships, will have a day off before competing in the 200m backstroke. She is ranked eighth in that event.

- NZPA