The second-last stage of the FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup 2008 series in Singapore on October 4 brought more gold to Valerio Cleri (ITA) and Larisa Ilchenko (RUS). This time however, Cleri had to share his victory with Daniil Serebrennikov (RUS), who tied him for first in a time of 2:09.20.25. All the winners in Singapore have been asserting themselves on this year’s circuit, especially Cleri, who now has a total of five 2008 World Cup gold medals and one bronze (he is the virtual winner of the Series, provided that he participates in the last leg in Cancun). With her success over the weekend, Ilchenko now has three gold medals and a silver to her credit, while Serebrennikov now has one gold to add to his two silver medals.
In the men’s field, the biggest threat to Cleri and Serebrennikov was Mazen Mohamed Aziz (EGY), who took bronze only a second behind them in 2:09.21.08. With this result, Aziz has now earned a medal of every colour for his efforts during the 2008 World Cup season. Just out of medal-range was Yury Kudinov (RUS), who finished fourth with a time of 2:09.21.99.
Among women, Olympic 10km champion Ilchenko had to contend with the likes of Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA) and Angela Maurer (GER), who took the silver and bronze medals, respectively. All three touched within seconds of one another after powering home and racing for the win. With these minor medals, Cunha now has a one gold, one silver and one bronze, while the ever-strong Maurer has one gold, one silver and three bronzes for her 2008 World Cup season. The German now leads the overall ranking amongst women, and is in a good position to win the 2008 Series.
THE MEDALLISTS
MEN
1. Valerio Cleri (ITA) 2:09.20.25
1. Daniil Serebrennikov (RUS) 2:09.20.25
3. Mazen Mohamed Aziz (EGY) 2:09.21.08
WOMEN
1. Larisa Ilchenko (RUS) 2:16.22.00
2. Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA) 2:16.25.09
3. Angela Maurer (GER) 2:16.27.32
The next, and final stage of the FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup 2008 series will take place on October 11, 2008 in Cancun, Mexico.