The Commonwealth Games silver medallist Glenn Snyders was a standout performer in heats on day three at the national swimming champs in Auckland.
The 23-year-old was the fastest in the 50 metres breaststroke, a second faster than his nearest rival, and inside the qualifying time for the world championship but only finals times count.
Tonight is the women's 200 freestyle with the US-based Lauren Boyle fastest in the heats ahead of her fellow Commonwealth Games relay medallists Tash Hind and Amaka Gessler.
Boyle was just half a second outside the qualifying time for the world champs and is favourite to win the title.