Fresh from securing three gold medals at the European Championships in Berlin last week, Hosszu began the short-course season in fine form by smashing her own world mark of 2min 03.20sec in the 200m individual medley final, touching home in 2:02.61.

That was one of four wins for the Hungarian at the Hamad Aquatic Centre as she also picked up golds in the 50m backstroke, 800m freestyle and 200m freestyle  in a new World Cup record time of 1:51.41.

"I'm really excited," said the 25-year-old, who set six world records on her way to being crowned overall World Cup champion last year.

"My goal was to break the world record in the 200m backstroke but it was really hard.

"I'm really excited about breaking the world record in the 200m individual medley.

"It's my biggest achievement. I wasn't sure if I would be able to go faster but I was.

"It was my old world record that I broke and I went for it.

"I really like the World Cup and I love racing in Doha.

"People are asking me about when I am going on vacation but this is my vacation and I'm already looking forward to the next one.

"It's great to know I will be coming back in December for the short course World Championships."

Hungary was also celebrating when Daniel Gyurta set a World Cup record of 2:01.06 on his way to victory in the men's 200m breaststroke.

Reigning World Cup champion Chad le Clos began his campaign with two wins in Doha
©FINA World Cup



Reigning men's World Cup champion Chad le Clos began his campaign with two wins in the men's 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly.

"That's just what I wanted," said the 22-year-old South African.

"I've been here in Doha for a few days to prepare but it's great to be back in the pool racing.

"I've set good times for me and won so I'm really happy.

"There are a lot of great swimmers out there but the fans got my back.

"I'll look forward to returning for the World Championships."

Le Clos' compatriot Roland Schoeman won the men's 50m breaststroke and picked up a bronze in the 50m butterfly.

Dutchwoman Inge Dekker also picked up two gold medals after impressing in the women's 100m butterfly and the 50m freestyle, while Australia's Thomas Fraser-Holmes was a double winner in the men's 400m individual medley and 400m freestyle.

Inge Dekker was in impressive form in Doha claiming two gold medals at the Hamad Aquatic Centre ©Getty Images



Jamaica's Alia Atkinson finished third in last year's World Cup standings and she got this season's campaign off to a successful start by winning the women's 100m breaststroke title in a time of 1:03.79.

"That's a pretty good time," said the 25-year-old, winner of a Commonwealth Games silver medal in the 50m breaststroke at Glasgow 2014.

"I'm happy as I took a break post Commonwealth Games.

"I thought I'd be tired but I didn't feel it.

"I will race in Dubai and I really like racing in the Middle East, but after that I'm going to cut my schedule down.

"I'm in the place that I want to be with my fitness and performance and I'll be back for the World Championships."

The World Cup in Doha is due to conclude tomorrow.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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