FEW things in life quicken the pulse as keenly as top-quality sporting competition, and Glasgow is fortunate in having much to look forward to in that regard, with the countdown to the 2014 Commonwealth Games off and running.

Among the hottest tickets in town have been for those for the swimming events, and tomorrow fans of the sport will get a chance to immerse themselves in the big-time atmosphere when the 2013 Duel in the Pool gets under way.

The two-day event, billed as swimming's answer to the Ryder Cup, will see Europe's finest pitted against an all-star USA team. Scotland is well represented, with Olympic silver medallist Michael Jamieson returning to the pool where it all began for him, ably backed up by fellow local hero Robbie Renwick, Edinburgh's Craig McNally and Hannah Miley, from the Garioch swimming club in Inverurie.

This is the third staging of the event, with the USA having triumphed on both previous occasions, and Scotland's contingent will find the contest an ideal preparation for the challenges to come next year.

Glasgow, both this weekend and next summer, is ready to make a splash.