Victoria Poon of Montreal broke her Canadian record Thursday and gained a berth in the women's 100-metre freestyle final at the world short-course swimming championships in Dubai.
Poon's time of 52.76 seconds was fifth best in the semifinals. Her previous record was 52.80 set last year at the British Grand Prix. The final is on Friday.
"It's great to come back a year later and get another best time,'' Poon, 26, said.
"Hopefully I can go even faster in the final."
Frederike Heemskerk of the Netherlands was the fastest qualifier in 52.27 with compatriot Ranomi Kromowidjojo second at 52.34 and American Nathalie Coughlin third at 52.51.
Genevieve Saumur of Montreal was 16th with a personal best 53.76 but did not advance.
In the women's 50-metre butterfly semifinals, Katerine Savard of Quebec City ranked 15th in 26.49 and did not advance. She clocked a personal best 26.48 in the prelims.
''To come here and get a personal was my goal for this event," Savard, 17, said.
Competition runs through Sunday.
