ABU DHABI // Distance swimmers from across the globe will be taking to the water off Abu Dhabi today after a last-minute switch of venues saw the capital become host to the final of the Fina 15km Open Water Swimming Grand Prix. Dubai and Ajman were both in line to host the season finale. The capital, however, was given the final nod on Friday. It will be the first open water final event to be held in Abu Dhabi.
The Bulgarian swimmer Petar Stoychev leads the men's series with 119 points. He is on course to defend his title in what would be his ninth consecutive championship win. With his nearest rival, Argentina's Damián Blaum, on 90 points, the 33-year-old needs to only finish within the time limit in today's final race to claim the championship crown, and his sixth win of the nine-race series. With seven points between the women's title rivals, Camilla Frediani of Italy and Argentina's Pilar Geijo, a good performance could see either swimmer lifting the trophy.
The young Abu Dhabi swimmer Majid al Hammadi, 17, will be hoping to improve on his performance in the penultimate round of the 10km Marathon World Cup Championship, held in Dubai last week, where he finished last. Challengers from four swimming clubs in the Emirates will also compete in a 5x3km relay event. Swimmers from Al Wahda, Al Wasl, Al Jazira and Fujairah swimming clubs will follow the grand prix contestants into the water after the main event.
@Email:sports@thenational.ae Fina 15K Open Water Swimming Grand Prix final, Abu Dhabi International Marina Club 2pm
