RIO DE JANEIRO - After three days the first stage of the FINA 2002-2003 World Cup concluded with the top performances awarded to backstroker Haley Cope (USA) and sprinter Jose Martin Meolans (ARG).

Cope won her award with a fast 50 backstroke of 27.21, third fastest all-time. She also won the 100 backstroke today with a 59.93, added a second in the 50 fly in 26.95. She missed the medals in the 50 free where she was fourth. It was a great weekend for Haley and she'll be going to World Cup 2 in Long Island, Nov 22-23.

Sprinter Jose Meolans Meolans (ARG) had the best performance in the men's 50 freestyle today with his 21.53 (984 points). He held off a very strong and experience field including Fernando Scherer (BRA) 21.88, Ryk Neethling (RSA) 21.95. Meoland won the 100 freestyle yesterday with a 47,84 over Pieter van den Hooganbend (NED) 48.03, the Olympic Champion. Meolans will be competing in the next five of the six World Cups.

Dutch star Pieter van den Hoogenband had an ambitious program here competing in six events. He won the 200 free today in 1:44.70, the 400 free yesterday. He was second in the 50 fly, 7th in the 100 fly and 5th in the 50 free. A busy weekend.

"Rio is a very nice and beautiful place," van den Hoogenband said, "the people very warm and friendly, also cheer the swimmers a lot. For those who love swimming like us it is very gratifying to have such support from the crowds. I plan to come back in the future to visit the city. The event is running very well, from the hotel to the venue all works just fine, while (joking) maybe the bus trips could be a little shorter in time.'

The other super swimmer in action was Yana Klochkova (UKR) who won four of the six events she took part. Yesterday she won the 200 IM and the 800 freestyle. Today she first won the 200 fly in 2:09.04, than minutes later added the 400 IM with a 4:36.94. She was third in the 400 free and 200 back. Pretty impressive and move on the Shangahi and the final three stages in Europe.

Other highlights:
Toni Helbig (GER) won the 50 back in 24.91, after a second in the 100 back yesterday.

Rogerio Romero (BRA) a 33-year-old, won his 9th gold and a total of 29 medals in a decade long of World Cup competitions, in the 200 back in 1:56.52.

Hugues Duboscq (FRA) added the 100 breastroke today in 1:00.28 to his 200 win yesterday.

Chantal Groot (NED) won the 100 freestyle with 55.37 to sweep the freestyle sprints.

Rachel Komisarz (USA) won the 400 freestyle in 4:07.66, after she finished third in the 200 fly with 2:11.11.

Amanda Beard (USA) won the 200 breaststroke in 2:23.16 the second best women's performance (980 points) after winning the 100 breaststroke yeasterday and adding a second in the 50 breaststroke earlier today.

Tamas Kerekjarto (HUN) won the 200 IM with a 1:57.52 as Caio Moretzsohn (BRA) in finishing second with 1:59.61 bettered a 12 year-old South American and Brazilian record of 2:00.93.

Yafei Zhou (CHN) won the 50 fly in 26.92 after winning the 100 yesterday.

Joanna Maranhao (BRA) in finishing third in the 400 IM broke the national record with her 4:42.27 a three second improvement over her previous best. This earned her the female and junior performnace award for swimmers from Brazil.

The small contingent from the USA has to be satisfied as they won the meet by all measures: most golds with six, (tied with China) most medals 23 and top women's performnace by Haley Cope. The team comprised 8 females, 1 male, and coach David Salo.

The World Cup continues November 22-23 in Long Island, USA.