Brazil's Ana Marcela Cunha won the first leg of the FINA Marathon Swim World Series in Doha ©Getty Images

Brazil's Ana Marcela Cunha started her International Swimming Federation (FINA) Marathon Swim World Series title defence with a victory in the first leg in Doha.

Cunha was the overall winner of last year's series and began today with a victory at Doha Cornice in Qatar.

She finished the 10 kilometres race in 2 hours 03min 52.5sec, finishing ahead of newcomer Kareena Lee of Australia, who finished second in 2:3:52.0. 

Italy's Rachele Bruni took third place with a time of 2:3:53.0.

Florian Wellbrock of Germany won the men's first leg of the FINA Marathon Swim World Series in Doha, with Kristof Rasovsky of Hungary in second and Jordan Wilimovsky of the United States in third ©FINA
Florian Wellbrock of Germany won the men's first leg of the FINA Marathon Swim World Series in Doha, with Kristof Rasovsky of Hungary in second and Jordan Wilimovsky of the United States in third ©FINA

Sharon Van Rouwendaal of The Netherlands, the winner of last year's race in Doha, had a disappointing race and finished in 12th place.

Germany's Florian Wellbrock, the European 1,5000 metres champion, won the men's race, recording a time of 1:52:21.6.

In second was Kristof Rasovsky of Hungary in 1:52:22.8, with Jordan Wilimovsky of the United States finishing third in 1:52:24.4.

The next leg of the series is not due to take place until May 12, when the Seychelles host the event.