DORSET swimming star Jay Lelliott is safely through to the men's 200m butterfly final at the Commonwealth Games.

Lelliott, 27, was never troubled during his heat, tracking winner Bowen Gough of Australia all the way through the race.

He turned for home just 0.21 seconds behind the Australian and maintained his second place to qualify in a time of 1:57.93, 0.4s down on Gough.

Lelliott's mark is the fifth fastest qualification time and just 0.16s shy of the pace that earned him a spot on Team England for the Games back in April.

Lelliott also beat the times of teammates Mason Wilby and James Guy to qualify as the fastest Englishman.

He will now contest the final at 7.28pm this evening as he bids for a first Commonwealth Games medal.

South African superstar Chad le Clos qualified in second as he bids to retain his title, won in a Games Record time of 1:54.00

Men's 200m butterfly final qualification times

1. Lewis Clareburt (NZL) - 1:56.76

2. Chad le Clos (RSA) - 1:56.85

3. Duncan Scott (SCO) - 1:57.48

4. Bowen Gough (AUS) - 1:57.53

5. Jay Lelliott (ENG) - 1:57.93

6. Mason Wilby (ENG) - 1:57.97

7. James Guy (ENG) - 1:58.30

8. Brendon Smith (AUS) - 1:58.86