DOHA (Qatar): The second day of FINA World Cup Doha 2019 witnessed more exciting action including a dazzling performance by Vladimir Morozov (RUS) and a new World Cup record by Mykhailo Romanchuk (UKR) at Hamad Aquatic Centre on Friday.
Morozov, who is set to lift the men’s overall World Cup trophy, won two more gold medals, after his gold medal in 50m freestyle on the first day.
The Russian star first completed a clean sweep of all 7 titles in 50m backstroke, winning the event in 24.75. Morozov then claimed 100m freestyle victory to finish with three gold medals.
“That’s it, my World Cup is over. I am very happy with my performance this year. My best moment of this World Cup will come when I will lift the (overall) trophy,” said Morozov.
Romanchuk eclipses Paltrinieri’s mark
In men’s 1500m freestyle fastest heats, Romanchuk set a new World Cup record, winning the race in 14:51.61 to surpass Gregorio Paltrinieri’s (ITA) record of 14:55.06, he made in Moscow 2015. Jan Micka (CZE) and Gergely Gyurta took silver and bronze medals.
Romanchuk said: “The plan was to break a World Cup record. It’s so amazing that I have done it. I love this country and amazing support here in Doha”.
Clean sweep by Hosszu
Katinka Hosszu (HUN) completed clean sweep of seven titles in 400 IM. The ‘Iron Lady’ claimed the victory after picking up pace in the last 200m to win in 4:37.39.
Jakabos won silver (4:40.19) while Seoyeong Kim (KOR) finished third in 4:40.23.
Hosszu said: “It was a fun race. I am happy to win all the titles in this event. It’s always nice to race in front of Hungarian fans present here. I am having a good time in Doha.”
Chad Le Clos (RSA) lived up to expectations of his huge number of fans in Doha, sealing the 200m butterfly title in 1:57.66 – his second gold medal after his 100m butterfly triumph on the first day.
“That was a hard race. I was nervous but did well in the end to finish with a win. I love the support here and didn’t want to disappoint them,” said Le Clos.
