COUNTY swimming star Chris Holmes will be hoping to clinch a aralympic medal when he defends his 100 metres backstroke and 50m freestyle titles in Sydney tomorrow and Saturday.

So far, the 28-year-old from Kidderminster has had a disappointing time. He followed up Saturday's fourth place in the 200m individual medley, by finishing seventh in the 100m freestyle, clocking 59-73.

Holmes is going for his 10th Paralympic gold medal after starring at the Barcelona and Atlanta games.

Despite having two more chances to bag a medal, Holmes could not hide his frustration at his poor performance Down Under so far.

"It was a bad day at the office," he said after the 100m freestyle. "I was never in the race -- it just didn't happen for me today and I'm really disappointed with my performance.

"I was about two or three seconds off the time I wanted but respect to the guys in front, they swam a great race.

"It's just a pity they were in a different one to me.

"I've got to look forward now and I'm hoping to be competitive in Friday and Saturday's events."

Meanwhile, Lee Pearson swept Great Britain into second place behind hosts Australia in the overall medal table after she won the Individual Dressage Grade One championship at Horsley Park.

The current world champion, riding Chipchasemeknes, scored 67.96 points to finish over a point ahead of Denmark's Brita Anderson.

"I'm gobsmacked but ecstatic," said the popular rider form near Leek, in Staffordshire.