Qatar Swimming Association President says 2018 FINA Edition Was Different from Previous Editions

Doha, September 12 (QNA) - Organizing committee of the FINA Swimming World Cup 2018 edition, held Wednesday a press conference at the Torch Hotel in Doha. Qatar Swimming Association President and FINA Bureau Member Khaleel Al Jabir, FINA Technical Delegate Craig Hunter, swimmers Sarah Sjostrom, Katinka Hosszu, Anton Chupkov, and Chad Le Clos all attended the press conference. Al Jabir confirmed that this year's edition will be different from all previous ones after the increase in the number of days of the tournament to three days instead of two. He added that participation in the new edition hosted by Qatar for the seventh consecutive year exceeded expectations, with more than 131 swimmers and swimmers representing 23 countries, which he said was a very good figure, especially since many of them did not participate in the first round held in the city of Kazan. He thanked FINA for giving the Qatar Swimming Federation the opportunity to organize these events in Doha. He said that organizing these rounds of the World Swimming Championships strengthened the chances of the Qatar organizing the 2023 world championships. Al Jabir thanked the members of the Organizing Committee and all the workers in the tournament for their efforts in preparing for the event. He noted that the members of the organizing committee were highly professional. For his part, Craig Hunter was impressed with the preparations for the event. "We are delighted to return to Doha. After the success of Kazan stop, we are hoping for more thrilling contests here. I saw the pool which is in outstanding shape." Craig said. Sjostrom, the last years overall winner, was in outstanding form in Kazan where she broke three World Cup records on her way to five victories. The Swedish swimmer is leading the rankings with 60 points and is eyeing an improved show in Doha. "My last year's competition in Doha was successful, and after that I won the overall title. I am targeting another good performance at this venue and hoping to be faster than Kazan," she told reporters. Katinka Hosszu of Hungary will also look to bag more medals in Doha after earning five titles in Kazan. The Hungarian star famous as The Iron Lady is third in the rankings with 36 points behind Russia's Yulia Efimova (42 points). Hosszu is confident for a successful competition. "I have many great memories in Doha and I am excited to be back. I am hopeful of giving a good show and win more races," she said. (QNA)