BOLTON’S Emma Saunders admits the business end of the British Gas National Championships has begun after cruising through the 200m freestyle heats in Manchester.

Saunders took to the water on no less than five occasions over the weekend, competing in both the 200m individual medley and the 100m backstroke, ending up sixth overall in the former.

But with the best of Britain convening on the Manchester Aquatics Centre with opportunities to book places at this summer’s World Championships in Shanghai, Saunders, who considers herself a freestyle specialist, insists she’s only just getting started.

“It was a good swim for me,” said Saunders, who coasted through the heats in 2:03.20 minutes.

“I felt strong and I’m working on my turns at the moment and I think I’ve improved a lot on them.

“My main target is making the World Championships. I’ll be going for them in 100m and 200m free as these two are my main events.

“The others I was just using to get into the competition and get myself ready for my favoured events. And I feel like I’m getting comfortable in the water now. ”

"The nation’s leading energy supplier British Gas is the principal partner of British Swimming, and is supporting the sport at all levels, from grass roots to our elite athletes. Visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming.