
For the first time, the world elite divers will experience a new head-to-head competition format at World Aquatics Diving World Cup–Super Final held in the Water Cube during 2-4 May in Beijing.
The Super Final consists of nine events and attracts 75 divers from 17 countries based on their performance and rankings from the previous two stops in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Windsor, Canada.
Wang Zongyuan, two-time Olympic champions in men's 3m synchronised springboard, said it is a big challenge during the pre-meet press conference here in Beijing on Wednesday.
"A big new challenge! We will present a different kind of diving competition this time, and I really feel excited about it. It must be more interesting and more appealing for the audience. I will try to show my best in my first competition at the Water Cube," Wang said.
In the head-to-head stage, divers will be paired based on their seeding. Each will choose three dives to perform, and the lowest scorer in each pairing will be eliminated. Six athletes will advance to the semi-final.
The top 12 athletes from the first two stops of the World Aquatics Diving World Cup will be seeded according to their rankings from Stop 1 in Guadalajara (MEX) from 3-6 April and Stop 2 in Windsor (CAN) from 10-13 April.
British star diver Jack Laugher, 2016 Olympic champion in men's 3m springboard said:” We normally have our regular diving, so this is very different and interesting. The new format can also give a chance for some lower-ranked divers to give everything a try and beat higher-ranked opponents. This must make the crowds and athletes excited at the same time."
"We used to have the World Series here, and I think it's been seven or eight years since I've been back to this iconic diving pool in an iconic diving country as well. I always like to be back in China, and I'm always very honoured to be able to dive in such a prestigious place among some unbelievable athletes. I'm really looking forward to some different competitions, " Laugher said.
"I'm always very honoured to be able to dive in such a prestigious place among some unbelievable athletes."
Maddison Keeney of Australia, silver medallist in the women's 3m springboard at the Paris Olympic Games, mentioned that the new format will require divers to consider the "strategy of dive orders."
"We will be doing the dives in a different order, a strategy involved in the new format. It would make it really exciting and a lot more fun for the athletes. I'm really looking forward to having fun within my own group and getting into the competition with all the Chinese fans and preparing for Singapore World Championships," Keeney said.
Quan Hongchan, double winner of women's 10m platform from Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games, expects to shine in her debut at the Water Cube.
"It will be my first time competing in the famous Water Cube. I will compete in both synchro and individual events with my long-time partner Chen Yuxi. We will try to do our best in the new format, " Quan said.
Moment of Diving Zen