(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Fawad Hussain / The Peninsula
Katinka Hosszu's pursuit of Sarah Sjostrom in her title hunt and Chad Le Clos' bid to continue his domination in the pool will be the centre of attention as top swimmers from around the globe eye glory at the fifth leg of FINA airweave Swimming World Cup series which begins today in Doha.
Nearly all the stars who competed in the opening leg of cluster #2 in Hong Kong earlier this week will be seen in action at the Hamad Aquatic Center during the two-day meet.
With the title race still open in both men's and women's competitions, the Doha leg the final round of cluster #2 of FINA World Cup series - holds an utmost importance for the swimmers, and with the FINA announcing an increase in prize money ahead of the event, mouthwatering battles are on the cards.
South African superstar Le Clos, who managed to maintain his overall lead in Hong Kong after taking 3 gold and as many silver medals, is eyeing another commanding show to keep his title hopes intact.
The Olympic and World champion is leading the points table with 234 points ahead of Tom Shields (147 points) of USA. Both of them will be fighting out for win in cluster #2 after claiming 75 points apiece in Hong Kong.
Le Clos hailed Doha as his favourite venue and hoped to increase his tally of points.
'Doha is a second home for me. I am coming here since 2012 and I am happy to be back, the speedster told at a pre-event press conference yesterday at The Torch Doha.
'I've been here for training many times and have spent quality time at Aspetar which was very useful. I have enjoyed a very successful time here and I look forward to the same.
The men's competitions will also see other top stars including South African Cameron van der Burgh the gold medalist at FINA World Championships Winsdor 2016, Russia's Vladimir Viktorovich Morozov Winsdsor 2016 champion at 100m breaststroke and Russian swimming ace Kirill Prigoda in action.
Russia's Prigoda, who his occupying fourth spot in men's overall standings with 135 points, was also hoping for a good performance.
'I competed in Doha in 2014 and it was fun. I hope to continue my form and do well here, he said.
Fiery battles are also expected in the women's events which will see Swede sensation Sarah Sjostrom defending her lead against an in-form Katinka Hosszu of Hungary, who enjoyed a perfect run in Hong Kong, clinching all the six gold medals in individual events.
Sjostrom, who created two world records in Doha in 2014 said she was targeting another impressive run at the venue.
'I came to Doha three years ago and broke two world records. I am looking forward to good races again. It's going to be fun, said the Swede sensation, who marked world records in 100m butterfly and 200m freestyle.
Triple Olympic champion Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands, Rio gold medalist Rie Kaneto of Japan and Jamaica's star Alia Atkinson, the 2016 world champion are among the other female stars participating in the event.
Apart from the swimmers, Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) President, Khaleel Al Jabir, FINA Executive Director Cornel Marculescu and FINA Technical delegate Daphine Bird also attended the press conference.
Qatar is hosting the World Cup leg for the sixth consecutive time and Marculescu praised the organisational skills of the Gulf nation in hosting the high profile events.
'The purpose of hosting the World Cup outside World Championships is to show our sport to the world. Unfortunately, we had the Dubai leg cancelled this year but the event in Hong Kong was excellent and in Doha it is also going to be excellent as ever, said the FINA Executive Director.
'Don't forget that in 2023 Doha is the site of FINA World Championships when we will have all the athletes coming here, he added.
The event is bringing together over 150 swimmers from around the world. As many as 36 gold medals will be up for grabs in the two-day contest which will bring curtains down to cluster #2 of the FINA World Cup series.
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