DIVING WORLD SERIES 2014, Monterrey Day 1: China sweeps all four synchro events

China was invincible on Day 1 of the last FINA/NVC Diving World Series stop in Monterrey, Mexico, on June 6. The number-1 diving powerhouse swept all four synchronised events at stake. Reigning World champion He Zi and Wang Han kept main challengers at bay in the women's 3m springboard synchro to capture gold with a total score of 321.60. Local hero Laura Sanchez, 2012 Olympic medallist, combined with new partner Dolores Hernandez to earn silver, totalling 313.50. Canadian pair Jennifer Abel and Pamela Ware Canada secured the bronze medal with 309.48 points. In the men's 3m springboard synchro, Cao Yuan and Lin Yue dominated the operations to score a brilliant 442.62 points. British pair Jack Laugher and Chris Mears proceeded to win silver after two bronze this season, taking second with 423.78 points. Completing the podium, Mexico's Jahir Ocampo and Rommel Pacheco picked up their first World Series synchro medal, scoring 422.91. With this medal, they offer Mexico its 70th medal at Diving World Series (either gender). "I am grateful, happy and satisfied with the result, the hard work paid off," said Cao. On the higher board, China's new pairs Huang Xiaohui and Lian Jie triumphed among women, amassing 339.86 points. Malaysians Pandelela Rinong Pamg and Jun Hoong Cheong bounced back from a disappointing performance in Windsor (CAN) last week to win silver with 328.56 points while Roseline Filion and Meaghan Benfeito chalked up one more medal for Canada, a bronze after earning a total 323.28. Among men, China's fresh faces Tai Xiao Hu and Yang Hao remained consistent from start to finish, emerging victorious with a total 459.24. Home heroes German Sanchez and Ivan Garcia delighted the audience with a silver medal finish, scoring 429.66. Germany's Patrick Hausding and Sasha Klein settled for the minor medal with 420.78 points. Patrick Hausding said: "We've had ups and downs this season but we've achieved a good result. The World Series is a top-level competition and it always requires giving your maximum."

FOTOS credit: Christian Palma

FONTE Claudia Ruiz, FINA Press Correspondent in Mexico