Baker shares second in World Cup marathon swim

Queensland-based swimmer Cara Baker has claimed a share of second place in the penultimate round of the FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup in Hong Kong at the weekend.

Baker, who swims for Howick Pakuranga, produced a strong performance to touch in the same time as experienced German swimmer Angela Maurer in 2h11m50.10s.

They were pipped by Ana Marcela Cunha by just two seconds as the Brazilian extended her lead in the World Cup.

"My mother told me to dye my hair red, which would bring me good luck, and it worked wonders," said the Brazilian. "I'll probably do it again in future."

It was Cunha’s third win of the series and she will lock out the title in the final round in China this weekend.

Taranaki’s Charlotte Webby was 15th in the women’s race ahead of Howick Pakuranga teenager Caitlin Wall.

Australia’s Rhys Mainston, who missed out on the London Olympics, won the men’s race in 1h57m36.20 from Thomas Lurz (GER) and world champion Spyridon Gianniotis (GRE).

Auckland’s Philip Ryan (Waterhole) did not finish.

Results, FINA 10km Marathon Swim World Cup, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong:

Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA) 2:11.48.30, 1; Cara Baker (NZL) 2:11.50.10, 2; Angela Maurer (GER) same time, 3. Also: Charlotte Webby 2:15.45, 15; Caitlin Wall (NZL) 2:25.43, 16

Rhys Mainstone (AUS) 1:57.36, 1; Thomas Lurz (GER) 1:57.43, 2; Spyridon Gianniotis (GRE) 1:57.45, 3. Also: Philip Ryan (NZL) dnf.