Murdoch, 20, faced a strong field including fellow Team Scotland member Michael Jamieson, however, the former West Dunbartonshire Swimming Club ace left the competition in his wake as he comfortably secured first place in the heat.
Murdoch will now face Jamieson and the other qualifiers in tonight's final at 9pm at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
Murdoch is also due to swim in the 4x100m medley as well as the 100m breastroke and the 50m breastroke where he will be joined in the pool by Dumbarton's Rory Lamont.
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