Bettina Fabian And Pasquale Giordano Clinch Close Victories At LEN Open Water Cup
Bettina Fabian and Pasquale Giordano won their respective races in similar close finishes at the fifth leg of the LEN Open Water Cup in Veles, North Macedonia.
The top three women in the overall standings were neck and neck with Fabian getting the touch ahead of Germany’s Lea Boy, winner last time out in Samorin.
This time the Hungarian had a stroke advantage at the panel to clinch first place in 2:07:34.452 ahead of Boy (2:07.34.722) and Arianna Bridi of Italy (2:07.36.365)
Women’s overall standings:
1. Arianna Bridi (ITA) 2750
2. Bettina Fabian (HUN) 2700
3. Lea Boy (GER) 2300
4. Ginevra Taddeucci (ITA) 1500
5. Silvia Ciccarella (ITA) 1300
The men’s event turned into a battle of the Italians who swept the top-five places.
Mario Sanzullo, sitting second in the overall LEN Open Water Cup standings, was the favourite in the absence of leader Marcelo Guidi, but as four men stormed to the finish it was Giordano who took the touch by 0.72secs in 1:56:15.781.
Sanzullo was second in 1:56:15.500 with Giuseppe Ilario third home in 1:56:16.667.
Men’s overall standings:
1. Mario Sanzullo (ITA) 2900
2. Marcello Guidi (ITA) 2500
3. Domenico Acerenza (ITA) 1500
4. Andrea Filadelli (ITA) 1310
5. Pasquale Giordano (ITA) 1100