Ian Thorpe cruised into the final of the 200m freestyle at the Victorian state swimming championships in Australia, having failed to qualify for the 100m showdown.

The five-time Olympic gold medallist, on the comeback trail, finished third in his heat to make Saturday night's decider at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

His time of 1min 51.08sec was fourth fastest overall, with fellow Australian Nic Ffrost qualifying quickest in 1:49.91.

The holder of 13 world records announced a return to the pool in February last year following his retirement in November 2006, but it has been a rocky road with modest times so far.

It has thrown into doubt his ability to qualify for the London Olympics with the Australian trials fast-approaching in March.

Thorpe failed to make the 100m freestyle final on Friday but looked much more comfortable in his 200m heat. His most obvious opening to make the London team is a berth in the 4x200m relay team.

Also on the comeback trail is triple Olympic champion Libby Trickett. She finished fourth in the women's 100m freestyle final on Friday and comfortably qualified for the 100m butterfly final Saturday.

She also made the women's 50m freestyle final.