Jason Dunford wrapped up his showing at the FINA/ARENA Swimming world cup with silver in the men’s Butterfly dash and a fourth place ranking in the 100m as the 2012 edition ended in Singapore on Sunday.
Chinese Qibin Zhang, second to Dunford in his 50 fly win last week in Japan, tapped the wall first in 23.09 seconds for the Gold as the Kenyan settled for silver in a time of 23.16. Australian Tommaso D’orsogna was third in 23.21.
Dunford slackened stroke cost him a medal in the 100m fly as he looked set to challenge Australian Kenneth To (23.22), the men’s 2012 world cup winner, at the half way point which he covered in 23.46.
But Zhang surprised the duo as eased his way for a successful fly double in 50.58 seconds. To and Japanese Kazuya Kaneda picked silver and bronze respectively in 50.76 and 50.85 with Dunford fourth 51.03.
It was a memorable showing by the Kenyan top swimmer in the eight leg series, since the world cup opened in Dubai, as he managed to compete in seven stops with the exception of Berlin.
The three gold medals, five silver and a bronze in the series earned him $10000 (Ksh. 850 000). To and Katinka Hosszu of Hungary were crowned as new champions of the FINA/ARENA and won the prize money of US$100,000(Ksh.8.5 million) prize money.
Dunford looks to conclude his busy season next month at the World short course championships in Turkey where he will be targeting his first medals after four past appearances. The Istanbul championships will run from December 12-16.
Evelyn Watta
© All rights reserved
