Diving fans got a thrilling comeback at the 15th National Games as the men’s one-meter springboard returned after a three-edition hiatus. The Guangdong Olympic Aquatic Center buzzed with excitement as 17 athletes, including five world champions, battled for podium spots.
Representing Hubei, Wang Zongyuan soared to the top with a remarkable total of 492.30 points. In a head-to-head duel through the first three rounds, Wang and his teammate Zheng Jiuyuan traded narrow leads, thanks in part to Zheng’s higher difficulty dives.
The turning point came in the final rounds when Wang unleashed his signature 107B dive, earning 89.10 points—the highest single-dive score of the night. That clutch performance sealed his victory and left him just one point shy of matching his 2022 world championship tally.
Zheng Jiuyuan’s hopes were dashed by a slip on his 305B dive, dropping him to bronze. Veteran diver Tai Xiaohu of Shandong delivered a rock-steady display to claim silver—his first individual medal at the National Games.
With the one-meter springboard back on the map, diving enthusiasts are already counting down to the next showdown. Wang’s triumph sets a high bar and highlights the depth of talent emerging on the national stage.
Reference(s):
Wang Zongyuan, Wang Weiying excel in diving at 15th National Games
cgtn.com
