Qatar Olympic Committee Vice President Sheikh Saoud bin Ali Al Thani shakes hands with double gold medallist on the opening day of the FINA Swimming World Cup in Doha, Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu at the Hamad Aquatic Centre yesterday.
Doha: Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu stole the limelight on the opening day of FINA Swimming World Cup 2018 Doha edition, claiming three podium finishes including two gold medals at Hamad Aquatic Centre yesterday.
Russia’s Vladimir Morozov and Swedish sprint queen Sarah Sjostrom, who are leading the men’s and women’s rankings respectively, also lived up to expectations by winning the 50m freestyle to keep their chances of wins in cluster 1 intact.
Hosszu, famous as ‘The Iron Lady’ took part in all the five races in women’s field yesterday, winning women’s 400m freestyle and women’s 200m butterfly titles. She also clinched third position in women’s 50m backstroke.
“I am happy with my performance. It’s always good to win races and I have enjoyed the opening day in Doha,” Hosszu said.
“I am trying to keep the right balance. My message for young swimmers is to enjoy your swimming,” she added.
Morozov, who broke a World Cup record in 50m freestyle, overcame a stiff challenge from American teenager Michael Andrew and his compatriot Blake Pieroni to win, clocking a time of 21.80.
“I am happy to win the race. I am targeting a total of three gold medals in Doha,” the Russian said after his victory.
“However, two wins in Doha should be enough for me to secure cluster 1 win,” he added.
As expected, Sjostrom comfortably defeated Femke Heemskerk and Ranomi Kromowidjojo to win women’s 50 m freestyle clocking 23.99. Heemskerk (24.54) and Kromowidjojo finished second and third respectively.
“I was expecting this victory. I am happy to continue winning this event and I am looking for some more victories in Doha,” Sjostrom said.
Pieroni and Andrew also recorded a victory each on the first day.
Pieroni topped the men’s 400m freestyle race in 51.83 followed by Belgium’s Lorenz Weiremans and Wu Yuhang of China.
World junior champion Andrew sealed win in 51.83 with South Africa’s Ryan Coetzee (52.20) and Dutchman Mathys Goosen (52.99) second and third respectively.
Kira Toussaint won the women’s 50m backstroke clocking 28.01, in top-two podium finish for the Dutchwomen as Ranomi Kromowidjojo finished second with a time of 28.49. Hosszu took the bronze with a time of 28.57.
Australia’s Mitchell Larkkin recorded a win, securing the men’s 200m backstroke title with a time of 1:57.45, ahead of Spain’s Manuel Bacarizo (2:02.52) and Hungary’s David Verraszto.
Brazil’s Felipe Lima was the winner in men’s 100m breaststroke with a time of 59.61.
A total of 10 titles will be decided on the second day of the three-day event today.
