Bosnia: at Banja Luka in the midst of an international squad training camp organised by coach Andrea di Nino, of the eponymous ADN Project, two world champions had their first big outings of the year. Milorad Cavic (SRB) took the 50m 'fly in 24.11 as he warms up for the defense of his European crown at Budapest in August, while over 200m breaststroke, Nadja Higl (SRB), clocked 2:27.34, faster than any of her best times before July last year when, within a month, she improved 9sec to win the world crown in Rome. Cavic had a slow start to his season after suffering a lower back injury in January. Elsewhere at the meet, the 100m free went to Alexei Punisnki (CRO) in 50.07, the 50 breaststroke to Caba Siladji (SRB) in 28.15 ahead of Emil Tahirovic (SLO) in 28.25; the 200 medley to Romanos Alyfantis (GRE) in 2:04.49; the 100m free for women to Miroslava Najdanovski (SRB) in 56.39; and the 50m 'fly to Triin Aljand (EST) in 26.68.
France: Kosuke Kitajima (JPN) will clash to Hugues Duboscq at the Barcelona round of the Mare Nostrum Tour June 9-10. The French Olympic, world and European medallist, told L'Equipe that while his times there would not "be on fire", racing Kitajima was important because he was a "sacred" rival, "the best, and that's something to savour", while Grigory Falko, among Russians also heading to Budapest, would provide a test at European level. Duboscq is currently being coached by Benoit Masclaux after his regular coach Christos Paparrodopoulos broke his lower leg in a scooter accident.
Spain: At the Terrassa meet, Fabio Scozzoli (ITA) claimed a breaststroke double in 28.78 and 1:02.56 over 50m and 100m respectively. Elsewhere, the 100m free went to Brenton Cabello (ESP) on 51.54, with Spain teammate and 'fly ace Rafa Munoz, facing a suspension for failing to register his whereabouts under anti-doping rules, third in 52.34. Erika Villaecija clocked 8:46.07 to win the 800m free, while Mireia Belmonte took the 200m 'fly in 2:13.07 and the 400m medley in 4:45.68.
