(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Fawad Hussain / The Peninsula
Speed, thrill and nail-biting contests among the world's best swimmers came under the roof of Hamad Aquatic Center once again, as the Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) hosted the FINA airweave Swimming World Cup leg in a spectacular fashion for the sixth consecutive time.
With the QSA President Khaleel Al Jabir announcing the contract extension for the high profile event until 2021, swimming fans, who turned out in good numbers to watch live races during the two-day event in Doha, can anticipate more top notch action in the years to come.
'The presence of such a good number of global superstars makes Doha FINA World Cup leg a unique one, Al Jabir said.
' Qatar will also host the FINA World Championships and Masters in 2023 World Championships when all the top stars will compete. Such mega events will be very beneficial for Qatar swimming as well as the whole region, he added.
Sweden's Sarah Sjastrom celebrates her victory in one of the races on the final day. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
The Doha meet, which was the fifth leg of World Cup series saw big names including Olympic and World champion Chad Le Clos of South Africa, Swede sensation Sarah Sjostrom, Hungary's ‘Iron Lady' Katinka Hosszu and Russian legend Vladmir Morozov.
The meet decided the winners of cluster two of the series with Le Clos and Hosszu emerging as eventual winners.
Le Clos, who is leading the overall rankings comfortably with 312 points, accumulated a total of six medals including four gold and a couple of silver medals to win the penultimate cluster of the FINA series.
'Doha has been by lucky venue and a second home to me. I am very happy to win the cluster and also with my tally of medals, the South African said.
Hosszu was also in sizzling form throughout the event and accumulated five golds and a silver medal to seal cluster victory.
'I am very happy with my performance. Spectators showed a huge support for me that motivated me a lot. A big thanks to them, said the Hungarian after securing the cluster win.
Sjostrom, the Olympic and world champion, also had to gain a lot in Doha's leg as she managed to clinch five golds and a silver medal to keep her overall lead intact with 446 points.
'Overall I am happy with my five gold medals. I have a good lead in the series, the Swede star said.
South Africa's Chad Le Clos on his way to win the final. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Russian giant Morozov signed off with three gold medals with a victory in 50m freestyle on the final day.
Another Russian star, Kirill Prigoda, who is holding third spot in the overall rankings, also enjoyed a commendable run as he bagged two gold medals in as any day.
German talent Christian Diener also made his presence felt by winning two gold medals, both on the final day. Jamaican world record holder Alia Atkinson also returned with a brace of gold medals.
Azerbaijan's Maksym Shemberev also had a memorable run in Doha as he became the first swimmer from his country to win gold medal at a World Cup event.
He won the 400m IM contest on the first day and on the final day he bagged silver in 1500m freestyle to sign off in style.
Over 150 swimmers from a total of 25 countries participated in the showpiece event. Several upcoming Qatari swimmers also displayed their skills and marked impressive times, signaling a bright future.
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