FROM LEFT: Swedish swimmer Sarah Sjostrom, South Africa’s Chad Le Clos, Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) President Khaleel Al Jabir, Hungaria’s Katinka Hosszu and Russia’s Vladimir Morozov pose for a photograph during a press conference held in Doha yeste
DOHA: Swedish speedster Sarah Sjostrom and Russian sensation Vladimir Morozov will look to seal cluster 1 victories in the second leg of FINA Swimming World Cup 2018, which gets under way today in Doha.
Over 130 swimmers from 23 countries including top stars will feature in the meeting, which Doha is hosting for the seventh consecutive year at the Hamad Aquatic Centre.
Doha will conclude cluster 1 involving long course races as the opening leg was held in Kazan, Russia from September 7 to 9. The cluster 2 includes Eindhoven (Netherlands) and Budapest (Hungary) meets, while legs in Beijing (China), Tokyo (Japan) and Singapore form cluster 3 of this year’s series. Both the clusters will feature traditional short course races.
Sjostrom and Morozov grabbed top honours in Kazan with their record-breaking spree, finishing as rankings leaders in women and men fields respectively.
Sjostrom, the last year’s overall winner, set three new World Cup records while claiming five victories in Kazan. The Swedish swimmer, who has 60 points in her account, is eyeing more success in Doha.
“My last year’s campaign in Doha was successful. I am targeting another good performance at this venue and hoping to be faster than Kazan,” she told reporters at a pre-event press conference held yesterday at Torch Hotel in Doha.
In the men’s field, Morozov will return to action after grabbing three titles in front of his home fans, which ensured his top place in rankings with 54 points. The Russian ace also marked two World Cup records, and is expected to show more fireworks in the next three days.
However, his compatriot, Anton Chupkov, who is second in the rankings, is expected to give Morozov a tough challenge in race in to win the first cluster. Chupkov won 100m and 200m breaststroke including a record in the latter, and is hoping for a repeat show in Doha.
“It’s good to be here in Doha. After the Kazan performance, I am looking forward to some interesting results in this tough competition,” he told reporters.
Fan-favourites Chad Le Clos and Katinka Hosszu are also itching to secure victories in Doha, which they rated as their favourite venue.
Le Clos had a slow start in Kazan by his standards as he only clinched one race (200m fly), and is on 5th position in the current ranking. However, the Olympic star is looking for an improved show at his lucky venue where he sealed five gold medals last year.
“I always rate Doha as my second home. I’ve spent a lot of time here especially in Aspetar. I’ve have many achievements in Doha and I am looking forward to be faster than in Kazan,” he said.
Hosszu is also eyeing more medals after earning five titles in Kazan. The Hungarian star famous as ‘The Iron Lady’ is third in the rankings with 36 points behind Russia’s Yulia Efimova (42 points).
“I have many great memories in Doha and I am excited to be back. I am hopeful of giving a good show and win more races,” Hosszu told reporters.
Speaking at the press conference, QSA President Khaleel Al Jabir welcomed the swimmers, promising another blockbuster World Cup edition in Doha.
We are ready to stage another exciting contest,” Al Jabir said.
“Doha is one of the best swimming venues in the world, and is also the host for FINA World Championships in 2023. We look forward to continue hosting this event successfully and wish swimmers the best experience as ever,” he added.
Also present on the occasion, FINA Technical Delegate Craig Hunter praised preparations for the three-day event.
“We are delighted to return to Doha. After the success of Kazan leg, we are hoping for more thrilling contests here. I saw the pool which is in outstanding shape,” he said.
Another highlight of yesterday’s press conference was the announcement of a special trophy which would be handed to the winner of Doha leg besides the prize money.
Meanwhile, promising Qatari swimmers will also showcase their skills against the world’s best athletes as QSA will field 20 swimmers in the home event.
The races will be held in two sessions daily – morning heats and evening finals – on all the three days. As many as 10 titles will be decided on the opening day while swimmers will compete in 12 races apiece on the following days. The first cluster winners will be announced after final day’s races.
