China looks to continue diving success in FINA World Championships

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By CGTN's Zhu Mandan

The 2017 FINA World Championships opened up with diving events in Budapest, where Chinese divers Peng Jianfeng and He Chao finished at the top two spots in the men’s 1m springboard preliminaries.

Meanwhile in the women’s 1m springboard, Australia’s Madison Keeney claims first place, Chinese diver Chen Yiwen second and Malaysia's Cheong Jun Hoong trailed third.

Special commentator Tracey Holmes said China can expect to dominate at this sporting event.

Chinese divers in action /VCG Photo

“For the 10m platform synchronized mixed event, the first time this event was held was at the last World Championship in 2015, China won gold there," said Holmes. "China has won all four meets in the World Series this year, so they are looking very strong in this event.”

In the 1m women's springboard, China holds the record of five world titles, and at the last four world Championships, two out of three medals were won by Chinese divers.

Chinese diver Ren Qian walks on the diving platform. /VCG Photo

“And then in the 3m synchronized men's springboard , China won eight of nine editions of this world Championship event. Only in 2003, they didn't win gold," Holmes said in a telephone interview. "Russia is also in contention, they are hoping to do one better.”

Two other gold medals will also be decided today, one in the synchronized swimming solo technical.

“Russia is expected to dominate that event, as well as the men’s 5km open water swim. Until recently, Germany dominated this event," said Holmes.

"But in the last two editions, it’s been won by African swimmers. Both of those former world champions are competing today, and they are expected to do well.”

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