China's Wang Zongyuan celebrates with his gold medal after the final of the men's 3m springboard final at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, February 7, 2024. /CFP
Prior to the start of this year's highly anticipated World Aquatics Championships in Doha, the formidable Chinese diving team made it clear that they would view this prestigious event as a crucial "midterm exam" leading up to the upcoming Paris Olympics. And from the current state of affairs, China's illustrious "Dream Team" has unquestionably aced this test.
Following the awe-inspiring performances of Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi, who dazzled the audience in the women's 10-meter platform event, it was the turn of Wang Zongyuan and Xie Siyi to assert their dominance in the men's 3-meter springboard competition, while Chen Yiwen and Chang Yani unleashed their might in the women's synchronized 3-meter springboard final.
In a thrilling showdown on Wednesday night, Xie put on an exceptional display, leading the pack in both the preliminaries and semifinals. However, when it came to the final, it was Wang who stole the spotlight. With a series of impeccable dives, he secured his third consecutive victory in the event, amassing a remarkable total of 538.70 points after six jumps. Xie, though not to be discounted, claimed the silver medal with a respectable score of 516.10.
China's Xie Siyi competes in the men's 3m springboard final at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, February 7, 2024. /CFP
This win adds to Wang's already impressive tally in the tournament, having previously teamed up with Long Daoyi to bag the synchronized springboard gold. Similar to the intense rivalry between Quan and Chen in the women's platform event, Wang and Xie have reigned supreme in the men's springboard discipline.
While Xie has held the title of world champion in 2017 and 2019, as well as reigning Olympic champion, Wang has emerged victorious in the last two World Championships. The competition between them promises to deliver gripping and enthralling entertainment in Paris.
Earlier in the day, Chen and Chang clinched their third consecutive world title in the synchronized diving event, earning a score of 323.43 points. This dynamic Chinese duo has consistently showcased their prowess in major tournaments in recent years.
China's Chen Yiwen (R) and Chang Yani pose with their medals after the women's synchronized 3m springboard final at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, February 7, 2024. /CFP
Chen, the reigning two-time world champion in springboard, has been a paragon of consistency, while Chang has also made her mark with a silver medal in Fukuoka last summer and a bronze two years ago in Budapest.
With a total of six diving gold medals already in their possession, China have left no doubt about their intentions as they set their sights on the main event in Paris, which looms just five months ahead.