By Fawad Hussain
DOHA: Pool giants Chad le Clos and Katinka Hosszu will join a host of top swimmers eyeing medals at the two-day FINA airweave Swimming World Cup 2015 set to start today at the Hamad Aquatic Centre.
A total of 349 swimmers from as many as 46 countries will showcase their skills in Doha with just days left before the end of the season as they give final touches to their preparations for Rio Olympics next year.
The Doha leg of the worlds, which will end in Dubai later this weekend, has attracted nearly all the big names of the swimming world including Le Clos and Hosszu.
Le Clos, the Olympic, World and Commonwealth Games champion, is confident of another smooth run in Doha.
“I have trained here twice before this event and I will be coming back after event in Dubai. I feel confident going into this event,” Le Close said yesterday.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist is making a return to the FINA World Cup after missing the Asia legs. He will be targeting a sweep in the butterfly races like the last year’s short-course event in Doha. “I am very happy to be back in Doha again. I’ve been here many times and also gained from Aspetar. Last year I was here too, and I love the support,” said the South African.
“I am looking forward to good races and beat the best,” he said with a smile.
Australia’s Mitch Larkin, who stole show in Tokyo leg of the World Cup earlier this week, with world-leading times in the 100 and 200 backstrokes will look to maintain his golden form.
David Plummer, who defeated Larkin in the 50 back in Tokyo will feature in a strong contingent from the USA while Englishman Liam Tancock, the world record holder in the 50 back, joins the World Cup tour along with a strong group from Great Britain.
In women’s events, World Cup points leader Hosszu of Hungary is looking to consolidate her lead as Australia’s Emily Seebohm targets to secure her No.2 ranking targeting a cluster win in the Middle East.
Hosszu, who registered several world records in Doha, is happy to be back in Qatar.
I love to come back to Doha,” Hosszu told a press conference at the Hamad Aquatic Center yesterday. “I broke seven world records in Doha. It is one of my favourite places to race,” she added.
Hosszu clinched several medals and broke world record when she came to Doha last time at the 2014 FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) last December. The 26-year-old expected a tough competition in the long-course.
“ It’s a long-course contest and it’s going to be a little different. I am excited as I am going race tomorrow (today). For sure it would be really really great competition.”
The Hungarian said she was not targeting world record but was looking ‘to give her best’ in the races. The Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) President Khalid Al Jabir promised to deliver another successful FINA event after the 2014 FINA World Cup short-course event.
“We are ready for the event. The world’s best swimmers are here and we are looking forward to a big event.”
Ryan Arblaster, FINA TSC Committee Member, also commented: “Last year proved very successful for Qatar with the hosting of the World Cup and the World Championships in Doha.
“I have every confidence that this year’s competition will be equally as successful. Testament to Qatar Swimming, we have 349 athletes and 46 nations competing here, the most number of athletes and nations represented at a World Cup event.”
THE PENINSULA
