Hong Kong's Geoffrey Cheah steals thunder from Katinka Hosszu after clinching gold at Fina World Cup
The 24-year-old local star is cheered on by fans as he clinches 50m butterfly title, while Hungarian 'Iron Lady' wins five events
Home favourite Geoffrey Cheah gave local fans something to cheer for as he won the gold medal in the men's 50 metre butterfly of the Hong Kong leg of the Fina World Cup.
On a night when Katinka Hosszu of Hungary lifted five golds and one bronze, it was Cheah who stole the limelight.
In the penultimate event at Victoria Park Swimming Pool last night, Cheah beat Hong Kong-born Australian swimmer Kenneth Ko in a time of 24.23 seconds. Ko, who came first in the heats, came second (24.30), followed by compatriot Te Haumi Maxwell in 24.33.
I did not have any expectations coming here as I had a break after the World Championships. I just wanted to work on the little things I have been practising
Although the result falls short of his Hong Kong record of 24.12 at the World Championships in Kazan, it was an amazing effort against so many elite swimmers.
"I rarely swim in Hong Kong and really appreciate the support everyone has given me," said the 24-year-old. "I did not have any expectations coming here as I had a break after the World Championships. I just wanted to work on the little things I have been practising and minor technical changes."
Cheah also reached the final in the 100m freestyle, but came fifth. "I am still quite happy with that because I have been working a lot on the 50m distance recently," he said. "I hope to get back into shape for the Settle event in December."
Cheah said his sights were still firmly set on making the Rio Olympic A qualifying standard.