Morozov signs off with two more gold
Romanchuk breaks the four-year-old World Cup record in the 1,500m freestyle
The second day of FINA World Cup Doha 2019 witnessed more exciting action, including a dazzling performance by Vladimir Morozov of Russia and a new World Cup record by Mykhailo Romanchuk of Ukraine at the packed Hamad Aquatic Centre
Morozov, who is set to lift the men’s overall World Cup trophy, won two more gold medals yesterday, after his triumph in 50m freestyle on the first day. The 27-year-old Russian first completed a clean sweep of all seven 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.
In men’s 1,500m 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”.
Also yesterday, 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, leaving her team-mate Zsuzsanna Jakabos behind to win in 4:37.39. Jakabos got silver medal for her time of 4:40.19 while Seoyeong Kim (KOR) won bronze 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.
Jakabos also clinched a victory, winning the women’s 200m butterfly while Kira Toussaint (NED) was winner in women’s 100m backstroke. Gold medal in women’s 50m butterfly went to Jeanette Ottesen (DEN), who swam 26.06 to finish on top. Cate Campbell (AUS), overall leader in women’s field, came in second place. The men’s 200m IM title went to Keita Sunama (JPN), who clocked 1:59.28 for victory. He was followed by Philip Heintz (GER) 2:00.15 and David Verraszto (HUN) 2:01.43. Japan got their second gold through Yasuhiro Koseki, who defeated Felipe Lima (BRA) in the men’s 50m breaststroke. He clocked 27.07 while Lima finished in 27.11 to take silver. Dutchman Arno Kamminga (27.12) claimed the bronze medal.
Jhennifer Conceicao (BRA) prevailed in the women’s 100m breaststroke, touching the wall in 1:08.28. Vitalina Simonova (RUS) and Eszter Bekesi (HUN) won silver and bronze. Australia was on top in the mixed 4x100m freestyle – the final race of the second day.
12 more finals will be held on the last day of the final meet on Saturday, following which the overall winners and clusters 3 champions will be announced.