Ian Thorpe is on course for a third gold medal at the Commonwealth Games after a smooth swim saw him through as fastest qualifier for today's 200 metres freestyle final.
The 19-year-old Australian world champion and world record-holder swept home in one minute 48.50 seconds.
"It was a good swim. I've qualified comfortably for the final," Thorpe said. "I hope to swim well tonight."
He opened his bid for seven Commonwealth golds yesterday by breaking his own 400 metres freestyle world record and anchoring Australia to victory in the 4x100 freestyle relay.