Peaty faces tough rival for third successive gold medal

Adam Peaty gave a simple message before the latest step of his 100m breaststroke defence: bring the A-Game. And although not yet looking the same force as three years ago, the Olympic champion remains the one to beat as he cruised into tonight's final in Paris. A shot at history now awaits, as Peaty bids to become only the second male swimmer after Michael Phelps to win the same event at three successive Olympics.

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

But his closest competitor for gold is now firmly in view. China's Qin Haiyang brings an intriguing rivalry to the Olympics and will start next to the Briton, with Peaty in his favoured lane four and Qin in five. Peaty's time of 58.86 seconds was just 0.07 ahead of Qin in their respective semi-finals, and if the margins are that tight when going for gold then it will be an electrifying race, both inside and outside of the pool.

The question now, though, is how much more Peaty has to give, and how much Qin has to offer. Peaty remained two seconds off his world record time in the 100m breaststroke, but his first steps on the opening day of swimming in Paris were significant. For the two-time defending champion, world record holder and king of this event, Peaty has built a career out of smashing through barriers and raising standards with a sense of unimpeachable power. But the 29-year-old's journey to a third Olympics has been far from straightforward, with a broken foot and difficulties with his mental health as he questioned his future in the sport.