Swimming: Thorpe's comeback ends with dismal finish

Ian Thorpe's comeback in the Asia World Cup series has ended in Tokyo with a disappointing 26th placing in the heats of the 100m butterfly.

The five-time Olympic gold medallist clocked 53.59sec, nearly a second faster than his time in Beijing but way behind top qualifier Takeshi Matsuda of Japan (51.39).

Sam Ashsby (51.96) and Chris Wright (52.40) will be Australia's representatives in the final.

Thorpe was upbeat about his three-meet comeback in Asia, despite also missing the Tokyo final in the 100m freestyle and pulling out fo the individual medley.

"This week has been challenging, but has been very good," he said.

"I wish I could have done it with no one watching but that's unfortunately not the case.

"I am very comfortable with where I'm at."

He will attempt to qualify for Australia's Olympic team for next year's London Games in march.

Meanwhile, 50m freestyle gold medallist Cate Campbell will go into Sunday night's 100m final as the fastest qualifier, joining fifth-quickest Libby Trickett.

- AAP