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Wang Han claims gold at the FINA Diving World Series in Beijing

Sports

2019-03-09 17:55

China's Wang Han broke Olympic champion Shi Tingmao's unbeaten streak since 2013 in women's 3m springboard to claim her second gold in the FINA Diving world Series at the Water Cube in Beijing on Friday. This is also Wang's first victory over the Grand Slam winner since 2010.

Wang and Shi, who teamed up to win the women's 3m synchronized springboard on the event's opening day, went head to head for their second gold in the individual event on Friday.

Shi had not lost in the 3m springboard in six previous world ChampionShips, and continued her dominance in the event by completing the Grand Slam after her victory in the Jakarta Asian Games last year.

But the Rio Olympic champion was not in her best form and trailed by six points to compatriot Wang after the first three dives.

Shi closed the gap with her fourth dive, but her last attempt was not good enough for the top honor. She had to settle for the silver medal, with 367.00 points, 10.40 behind Wang.

Wang Han competes at women's 3m springboard final of FINA Diving world Series at the Water Cube in Beijing, China, March 8, 2019. /VCG Photo

Wang, who only beat Shi once before, at the Moscow Grand Prix nine years ago, showed her ability by leading on all five of her dives.

The 28-year-old, who was a substitute for this event at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, won gold with 377.40 points and is gearing up for her Olympic debut in Tokyo, just one and half years ahead.

Chinese Cao Yuan (C), fellow Chinese Xi Siyi (L) and Briton Jack Laugher at the awarding ceremony at the FINA Diving world Series in Beijing, China, March 8, 2019. /VCG Photo

Cao Yuan - Two-time Olympic champion pockets third gold in two days

In the men's 3m springboard, Chinese diver Cao Yuan claimed his third gold in two days after winning titles in both the synchronized 3m and 10m platform events.

The 24-year-old has become the only diver in history to win three golds in a single world Diving Series event.

Despite a three-point deficit, Cao reversed the tide in his fifth attempt and went on to win the title with 541.95 points.

Xie Siyi, who was paired with Cao to win the 3m synchronized event on Thursday, only scored 79.8 points due to splash in his last dive and took the silver with a total of 527.9 points. The bronze medal went to British diver Jack Laugher.