Chinese divers sweep three more golds, reaching century mark at FINA worlds

BUDAPEST - On a remarkable day for the Chinese diving team, the dominating power in the sport reached a milestone at the Aquatic FINA World Championships by winning its 100th diving gold at the Duna Arena here.

Only five hours later, the tally was improved to 102 as the unstoppable Chinese divers extended their perfect gold-winning record at the tournament with another two convincing victories on the springboard.

In the first final on Wednesday, teenage diving pair Quan Hongchan and Bai Yuming dominated in the mixed 3m and 10m team event for the 100th diving gold for China in the tournament's history, also the fifth in as many events in this year's edition.

"I'm so happy to win the gold, especially it was the 100th for the Chinese team," said the worlds debutant Bai, who contributed three dives including two from the 10m platform and one from the 3m springboard.

"The mixed team event is a little similar to the singles event, but I feel it was more difficult. I did better on the springboard, but for the platform, I was too nervous and it was just not so good," the 15-year-old boy added.

The duo sat in the top position from the first dive to the last, finishing with 391.40 points to secure the gold. French divers Jade Gillet and Alexis Jandard took the silver with 358.50 and British pair Andrea Spendolini Sirieix and James Heatly won the bronze with 357.60.

Olympic gold medalist Quan, also 15 years old, who replaced another Olympic champion Zhang Jiaqi to compete in the event, won her second medal, also her first gold, at the worlds.

"I was satisfied with my performance today, especially on the platform because it was my major event," said Quan, who was edged by fellow Chinese Chen Yuxi in the women's 10m platform on Monday.

"I was informed to replace my teammate to participate in the event yesterday, I was surprised but also very happy because I felt it was a chance to win one more medal," Quan added.