China wins 9th diving gold as Germany continues to rule open water swimming

China athletes pose on the podium after the Mixed 3m & 10m Team events at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships held in Fukuoka, Japan, July 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

China swept all nine diving gold medals so far at the World Aquatics Championships, while Germany continues to dominate open water swimming.

FUKUOKA, Japan, July 18 (Xinhua) — China won its ninth diving gold medal in as many events at the World Aquatics Championships on Tuesday, while Germany bagged two more golds from open water swimming.

Bai Yuming, Zhang Minjie, Zheng Jiuyuan and Si Yajie earned China the gold medal in the mixed team event, which includes individual and synchronized show in both 3m springboard and 10m platform.

The four divers scored a total of 489.65 points for the victory, followed by Mexico in 455.35 and Germany in 432.15.

“It was challenging for me to overcome the pressure,” said Bai. “If I make any mistake, all other divers will suffer.”

Quan Hongchan in action during the women’s 10m platform semifinal. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

China’s 16-year-old sensation Quan Hongchan stormed to the finals in the women’s 10m platform, beating two-time defending champion Chen Yuxi in the the preliminary round and the semifinal.

Quan, who has won the synchronized platform with Chen, now looks to secure her first world individual championship in Wednesday’s final.

While China ruled the diving competitions, Germans showed their dominance in open water swimming.

Florian Wellbrock, winner in the men’s 10km event on Sunday, claimed the 5km title and Leonie Beck won the women’s race over the same distance, as both Germans completed a golden double in open water swimming.

Florian Wellbrock in action during the open water men’s 5km. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

It marked Germany’s fourth win from as many open water events after Beck added the women’s 5km title to her 10km victory.

“The feeling is amazing,” said Wellbrock. “It’s the fifth medal and the fourth gold for the team, and the second World Championships title for me. It’s amazing.”

Spain captured its second gold medal at the tournament, winning the team technical event in artistic swimming. Italy finished second and the United States settled for third.  ■