Swimming duo strike right note

Glasgow - The South African swimming duo of Chad Le Clos and Roland Schoeman had a safe passage through the first rounds of the 50m butterfly on day one of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on Thursday.

"It's all about pacing, doing enough to get through, knocking it down each round," said Schoeman.

"It's really good vibe in the squad with mix of youth and maturity. It's rewarding and good to be able to provide some knowledge and recommendations to them."

Schoeman won his heat to record the sixth fastest qualifying time of 23.85 seconds.

Le Clos won the earlier heat in a personal best time of 25.56 for the short course distance.

"I'm pleased with this. I missed a couple of weeks with a chest virus, and only had a low key event in Italy," Le Clos said.

"It's really hard. That's the one event I really enjoy, but its just not possible here."

Le Clos has a heavy schedule, which includes the 100m and 200m butterfly and relays, and is an anchor in South Africa's bid for 40 medals.

Karin Prinsloo progressed to Thursday evening's 200m final, which would be the first opportunity for a swimming medal.

The 24 year-old Prinsloo finished third with a time of 1:58.38 in her heat, to qualify in sixth for the final.

Newcomer Tara Lynn Nicholas, clocked a time of 31.48 seconds for the 50m breaststroke to rank ninth and secure a semifinal place.

"I'm really pleased, it's the fastest I've gone, said Nicholas. "When I walked out on the pool deck it was very special... I hope I have the same atmosphere tonight."

Darren Murray finished fourth in his heat and 12th overall to proceed to the 100m backstroke semifinal, while Marne Erasmus secured her place in Thursday night's 100m butterfly semifinal.

There was disappointment in the women's 4x100 metre relay as they were disqualified for an early change over into the second leg.

Myles Brown missed out on the 400m freestyle final.

"I really don't know what happened, I really should have been there, maybe I went out too fast," said Brown after his race.

Brown says he will focus on the 4x200m relay and the 1500m on Monday.