
A gold medal for parents, a gold medal for friendship, Wang Zongyuan and Chen Yiwen received two more meaningful victories for team China on the second day at the Diving World Cup 2024 - Super Final here on Saturday in Xi'an, China.
Women's 3m Springboard
Chen Yiwen led all the way through five dives and performed steadily as usual for a winning total of 376.05 points. Chiara Pellacani of Italy celebrated her first individual medal on the World Cup with a strong finish to the runner-up in 301.95 while Maddison Keeney of Australia faded in last two dives and finished third in 291.15.
Full Results https://t.co/ef9tWsim89#Diving World Cup Super Final 2024 pic.twitter.com/rZkSUi7uTQ
— World Aquatics (@WorldAquatics) April 20, 2024
"That's the end of the World Cups. I should do better today and need to improve myself before the Olympic Games. I also hope my gold medal can bring good luck to my synchro partner and my best friend Chang Yani, who got injured before the Super Final. I hope we can compete together in Paris,” Chen said.
Chiara Pellacani was excited about her competition. "My first individual medal at the World Cup! I am so excited to compete with so many divers and my own performance. I know I could do better, and it is not enough. I cannot wait to go back to work and start preparing for the Olympic Games," Pellacani said.
Wearing a T-shirt custom-made with the images of Chen Yiwen and Chang Yani, Maddison Keeney revealed she is a super fan of Chen Yiwen. "Chen is my idol. She gave me this T-shirt after we arrived at Xi'an. Chen, Chang, and I are good friends since we have always competed together since 2017. We hope the three of us will meet next time in Paris,” Keeney said.
Men's 3m Springboard
Top-ranked Wang Zongyuan, who has kept an unbeaten streak since Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, found rust in his diving form in his 5156B dive resulting in a poor 60.45 score, and ranked seventh in the third round. However, he managed to come back in the following two dives and claimed a day-high 102.60 in 109C for his last dive and nailed down the victory in a total of 525.00.
"Maybe I am a little bit tired and lost concentration on the 5156B. It was the full-house crowds who boosted my fighting spirit and brave heart to cool down myself in the following rounds. It is a hard battle and a meaningful lesson that I learned how to deal with the difficulties during the competition, just before the Paris Olympic Games,” said multiple world champion Wang.
"My parents came to watch my competition today. They give me a lot of courage and support, so I put my gold medal on my father's neck and the mascot Tang Niu for my mother," Wang said.
Osmar Olivera Ibarra from Mexico met troubles in 307C and 207C until he showed his trademark dives 109C and 5156B and came from behind to book a silver medal 476.55. Jack Laugher from Britain, who kept second place for five rounds had to concede to a bronze medal 472.85 after a disappointing last dive 207C.
A thrilling final in the Men's 3m Spring 👇
— World Aquatics (@WorldAquatics) April 20, 2024
🇲🇽Osmar Olvera Ibarra overtakes 🇬🇧@JackLaugher in the last round of dive with an outstanding 5156B (97.50 points) and clinched silver behind 🇨🇳WANG Zongyuan.
Full results https://t.co/7EvLTX9HcA pic.twitter.com/NNISLFotwP
"Usually, my last two dives are my favourite and I am confident to do them solid. I am happy with the silver medal at the Super Final. I will work harder for the coming Olympics," Olivera Ibarra said.
For Jack Laugher, it was a pity for his last dive. "I am very happy to compete in China in front of this huge crowd. However, I felt tired at last and made a mistake. I hope I can build up good form and win a medal in the Paris Olympic Games," Laugher said.
Comeback Kid | Miss a Dive, Roar Back Stronger with Zheng Jiuyuan
What's to Come on the Final Day of Diving in Xi'an
On Sunday, women's and men's 10m's Platform Individual will take place in Xi'an Aquatic Center.