Parry follows Malcohow home

Steve Parry powers his way to sixth place

Stephen Parry failed in his bid to win Britain's first swimming medal at Sydney as he finished in sixth place in the 200m butterfly final today, as American Tom Malcohow won in a new Games record.

World champion Malchow clocked his third Games record in successive rounds to win in 1:55.35.

Ukraine's Denys Sylant'yev took the silver medal in 1:55.76 with Australia's Justin Norris third in 1:56.17.

Parry, competing in his first Games, came home in one minute 57.01 seconds - around 0.7 seconds down on his own Commonwealth record.

The 23-year-old Liverpudlian, swimming in lane one, was fifth mid-way through the race but dropped back one place on the third leg.

Parry said: "I am obviously disappointed. I went into the event ranked fourth in the world and I wanted to improve on that.

"I thought I could get a bronze - but you have to take what you get on the day.

"But I should be pleased. I thought I was well placed after 150m, but then it did not quite happen for me.

"I've known those other guys for quite a few years now and I was having fun out there. I know I can do better, but now it is time to consolidate and re-evaluate."