China

China dominates at Diving Worlds

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-07-20 09:42

"Diving Queen" Guo Jingjing and World Cup rookie He Chong of the Chinese "Armada" bagged two golds in the first-day competition of the FINA Diving World Cup in Changshu, in eastern Jiangsu province, on Wednesday.

" Guo Jingjing, right, and Wu Minxia, finished 1-2 in women's one-metre board Wednesday night, July 19th, 2006. [photo: sina.com]

In the women's one-metre springboard event, the 24-year-old host star Guo lived up to the expectations by taking the gold at 323.70 points, followed by compatriot Wu Minxia at 301.10 points.

Canadian veteran Blythe Hartley placed third at 300.25 points.

World and Olympic champion Guo didn't show her dominance at first as Hartley led the field of 12 finalists in the first two rounds.

The 24-year-old Hartley is a specialist on the 1m springboard, having been crowned twice in the event at top class World Aquatic Championships in 2001 and 2005.

However, Guo came from behind since the third dive and never gave up the top place thereafter.

"I'm happy with my performance tonight," Guo said, "and I'm happy to see so many audience supporting me."

He Chong eased to the victory in the men's one-metre springboard event, followed by He's teammate Luo Yutong at 445.55 points. Chris Colwill from the United States grabbed the bronze with a total score of 423.85 points.

The 19-year-old He, who pulled off the gold of 3m springboard synchronized event with Wang Feng at 2005 World Aquatic Championships in Montreal, Canada, firmly held the first place on Wednesday since the first dive.

Although he didn't performed well in the fourth round while executing a reverse two-and-a-half somersault and earned 72 points, his lowest score tonight, He convinced the judges with his last two dives, one receiving 90.00 points and the other 96.90 points.

He took the gold with a total score of 505.65 points.

"I didn't spend much time training on the 1m springboard, so I think I performed well enough tonight,"said He.

He will also compete Thursday in the men's 3m springboard diving and has been regarded as the hottest favorite to win after Canadian Alexandre Despatie missed the World Cup due to injury.

Besides, 2003 world champion Emilie Heymans from Canada and 2005 world champion Laura Wilkinson from the United States will vie for the title of the women's 10m platform on Thursday.