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HONG KONG - The second leg of the World Cup was held almost a month (February 21-22) after the first competition in Australia. Participation was down and performance levels were modest, compared to Sydney's post-World Championship leg.
Sandra Volker (GER), with four wins over two days, (50-100 free and 50-100 backstroke) was the most successful competitor.
Geoff Huegill (AUS) showed versatilty in medalling in the sprint free, back, and fly.
Top performer of the competition was Denis Silantiev (UKR) with his 52.37 win in the 100 fly.
Hong Kong, which will host the World SC Championships in April of 1999, ran a very efficient competition without a hitch. The Kowloon Park pool is centrally located, with the participants able walk to their hotels just a couple of blocks away.
Germany won the most events (13) and most medals (19) to dominate the competition.
New Zealand brought a Junior development team and picked up 12 medals to tie with Sweden.
Only three swimmers came from Denmark but they won seven medals, four of them gold.
Hong Kong ASA swimmers had a very successful comeptition with seven new records.
China's team was unable to bring all its chosen swimmers as several of the younger swimmers lacked a passport. Even after reunification, the mainland Chinese require passports and visas to travel to Hong Kong, unlike some foreigners, who only need to bring money as the shopping is truly world class.
Next year's World SC Championships will be held in a convention centre near the railroad station in temporary facilities with surround seating.