(L-R) Silver medalist Quan Hongchan, gold medalist Chen Yuxi, and Andrea Spendolini Sirieix from Great Britain stand on the podium of the women's 10m platform final on day two of the World Cup Super Final in Berlin, Germany, August 5, 2023. /CFP
Just 24 hours after winning four synchronized events by huge margins, China's divers reasserted their dominance on Saturday by adding two individual golds to their medal haul on Day 2 of the 2023 World Cup Super Final in Berlin, Germany.
In a much-anticipated showdown between two in-form Olympic champions, Chen Yuxi outclassed compatriot Quan Hongchan in the women's 10-meter platform final. Quan made a strong start and took the lead after three dives, but an uncharacteristic error in round four contributed to her downfall. Chen seized the chance to turn the tables, and it paid off.
"The Berlin Super Final is very important for us, and we take it very seriously. But it's a tight schedule after the World Championships, and we didn't have much time to rest," said Chen.
Chen Yuxi during the women's 10m platform final on day two of the World Cup Super Final in Berlin, Germany, August 5, 2023. /CFP
When asked how she deals with the congested match calendar, Chen said she was used to it, adding, "You've just got to take it one race at a time."
She has paired with Quan to claim the World Championships title in the synchronized platform twice and World Cup gold on many occasions, but the duo has not won the Olympic gold medal together yet.
"I hope Quan and I will compete in the synchronized 10m together at the Paris Olympics, and hopefully, we can win the title," said Chen.
Wang Zongyuan displays his medal after winning the men's 3m platform final on day two of the World Cup Super Final in Berlin, Germany, August 5, 2023. /CFP
Earlier in the day, China's Wang Zongyuan cruised to the men's 3m title with 540.60 points. It was simply a one-sided affair. Wang's lead was so overwhelming by round five that he would have won the silver medal even without his final dive.
"It's really a big challenge to compete in World Cup just one week after the World Championships," said Wang. "But I've done my utmost to grind out the best result."
According to the official schedule, there will be no mixed synchro and no 1m springboard at the tournament. Sunday's three finals will be in the women's 3m, men's 10m, and team event.