Payne (left) will appear in Rome but Patten is not in the squad

Keri-Anne Payne is the only one of Britain's three Olympic open water swimming medallists named in the squad for the 2009 World Championships.

David Davies, who took silver in Beijing, is concentrating on events in the pool this year but he is expected to race over 10km at London 2012.

And bronze medallist Cassie Patten's future in the event is unclear.

"We're minus two medallists, but we still have Keri-Anne and are hoping for good things," said manager Mark Perry.

GB took four of the six medals on offer at the recent LEN Open Water Cup event in Israel, leaving Perry optimistic.

We can't expect a repeat of Beijing, but there should definitely be some good performances GB manager Mark Perry

"We're mainly going to the World Championships for the experience - everything now is about building a team and working toward London 2012," he added.

"We would love to come away with a few medals but we have to be realistic. We can't expect a repeat of Beijing, but there should definitely be some good performances."

606: DEBATE Discuss Great Britain's chances at the World Championships

The open water competition takes place on 19-22 July 2009 in the sea off Ostia, near Rome, with events in the pool occupying the following fortnight.

GB team:

Men: Richard Charlesworth (Hatfield; 5km), Daniel Fogg (Borough of Waltham Forrest; 10km), Craig Hamilton (Warrender; 10km), Alfie Howes (City of Cardiff; 5km)

Women: Keri-Anne Payne (Stockport Metro; 10km), Charlotte Wooliscroft (Shiverers; 5km), Katy Whitfield (Stockport Metro; 5km and 10km)

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