In the showdown that the crowd had been anticipating all evening, Simmonds flew out of the blocks to build a big lead in the first half of the race.

However, the final 50m saw Spofforth show her strength as she pulled the race back and for the final 10m, the two athletes were swimming stroke for stroke. 

It was down to the touch and Simmonds got the victory just ahead of Spofforth in a personal best time of 59.43sec.
 
Spofforth took silver in a time of 59.46 while Stephanie Proud the bronze in 1:01.30.
 
After the race, a delighted Simmonds said: "It was a great race today and it’s always pleasing to get a personal best.

"Gemma and I are obviously rivals but outside, we are great friends. 

"To have someone like Gemma in the lane next to you is probably the best you can have. 

"Everyone knows how much hard work we both put in so it is great to be pushing up there with the best in the world."

Another close final on day three of the Championships was in the women’s 100m freestyle as World Championship silver medallist Fran Halsall narrowly gained victory ahead of Loughborough University’s Amy Smith. 

Halsall won in a time of 54.71 while Smith won the silver medal in a time of 54.86 and Lucy Ellis the bronze in 55.76.

James Goddard won the men’s 200m backstroke in 1min 57.06sec ahead of Chris Walker-Hebborn, who claimed silver in 1:57.39 and Scott Hathaway who won bronze in 2:00.57.
 
Goddard said: "I am really chuffed with that performance but I know I can go faster."

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