Estonia's Jefimova books spot in European Championships 100m breaststroke final

Estonian swimmer Eneli Jefimova, 19, secured her place in the 100m breaststroke final at the European Swimming Championships in Paris on Tuesday, breaking her own national record along the way.

Racing in lane six of the second semifinal, Jefimova clocked 1:05.78, shaving three hundredths of a second off the Estonian record she had set back in May. That time earned her second place in her semifinal heat, behind Britain's Angharad Evans, who touched in 1:04.97.

The first semifinal was won by Ireland's Mona McSharry in 1:05.64. Combining the results from both heats, Jefimova ended up third overall heading into the final.

Jefimova arrives as the defending champion in the event, having won gold in Budapest two years ago with a time of 1:06.41, finishing more than half a second clear of her closest rival. Speaking after Tuesday's semifinal, she said fans may have been somewhat more anxious than she was, adding that she fully trusts her coach. While pleased with her personal best and new national record, she stressed that Wednesday's final is what truly matters.

The women's 100m breaststroke final is scheduled to take place in Paris on Wednesday evening.