Some of the world's top swimmers are poised to return to Hong Kong in December next year as the SAR appears likely to host one of the legs of the Fina World Cup after a five-year absence.
The short-course meeting, which was last held here in 2000, could finally be resurrected with more prize money as Hong Kong hopes to become either the third or fourth leg of the money-spinning series, worth almost US$1 million in prize money.
Hong Kong organisers are trying to get the event rubber-stamped by Fina, the world governing body, although final approval looks to be a formality for the SAR, which hosted the World Cup meet for seven straight years from 1994 to 2000.
'There's a big chance that Hong Kong will host one of the legs again during the 2005-2006 season. Fina will discuss our case in their executive meeting in the next month or so. We need a full year to prepare for it so the timing is good,' said a Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association (HKASA) official.
'We couldn't host the World Cup meet during the past four years because we were unable to obtain sponsorship. But now the economy has improved, there's a much better chance of getting financial backing.'
If Fina approves Hong Kong's request, local swimming fans are in for another treat with several Olympic and world champions likely to make a splash at the Kowloon Park Indoor Swimming Pool.