Marc-Antoine Olivier of France and Ana Marcela Cunha of Brazil posted exciting wins in the season-opening 10km FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2021 Doha held at Katara Beach on Saturday.

Olympic bronze medalist Olivier took 1:52:02.4 to bag his second consecutive title in the Qatari capital, while five-time World Champion Cunha edged Oceane Cassignol of France in a photo finish, clocking 2:01:30.3 to regain her Doha title after the 2019 triumph.

In the mens race the final event of the day starting at 2pm - 2019 FINA World Championships gold medalist (5km) Kristof Rasovszky of Hungry was ahead in the first two laps before Olivier picked pace to set up the victory.

Rasovszky finished second with a time of 1:52:05.5 while Olympic and World champion Gregorio Paltrinieri of Italy completed the race in 1:52:07.9 for a bronze medal.

Olivier, 24, termed his victory in the season-opening race important.

"It was a difficult race because of high waves and I am so happy to win here again. I started slowly and picked pace (in the last three laps), as I followed the last years plan in which I was successful," he said.

"This first meet was so important because it is an Olympic year and my win here is crucial," Olivier added.

Marc-Antoine Olivier of France and Ana Marcela Cunha of Brazil posted exciting wins in the season-opening 10km FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2021 Doha held at Katara Beach. #QNAhttps://t.co/mYcytIjIhO pic.twitter.com/UqrPD59WES

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) March 13, 2021