Rouwendaal claims 2nd open water gold at Doha swimming worlds

Dutch swimmer Sharon van Rouwendaal clinched her second victory at the Doha World Aquatics Championships in the women's 5km open water on Wednesday, reported Xinhua.

The triumph marked a stellar start for the 2016 Rio Olympic champion in this Olympic year, after she previously secured the 10km title in Doha.

"I'm in top form now. This is a really good start to the year," said Van Rouwendaal.

Australia's Chelsea Gubecka had led the race in the second lap, but the Dutchwoman surpassed her with just 150 meters remaining to clinch the victory in 57 minutes and 33.90 seconds. Gubecka trailed by 1.10 seconds to settle for second place, while Brazil's Ana Marcela Cunha secured bronze.

"At the end, I felt that she was getting tired. I decided to pass her on the outside, and then I won," commented Van Rouwendaal.

Also on Wednesday, Logan Fontaine claimed the men's 5km title with a time of 51 minutes and 29.30 seconds, leading a one-two finish for France alongside Marc-Antoine Olivier. Italian swimmer Domenico Acerenza secured the bronze medal.