World’s top divers out to topple China at Hamdan Sports Complex

Sport360 staff 11:03 16/03/2015
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  • China medal threats: Qiu Bo (L) and He Chong (R).

    The Chinese team have again proven they are the undisputed champions of world diving, after another clean sweep of the gold medals in the first round of the FINA/NVC Diving World Series in Beijing last weekend.

    But with the 2015 FINA World Championships just a few months away, the competition this weekend in round two in Dubai will be one of the toughest yet.

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    The Chinese will again boast a spectacular line up of World and Olympic Champions including the man who dazzled the crowds with the first ever perfect dive performed in Dubai during last year’s series, 10m marvel Qiu Bo, along with Olympic gold medallist and five time World Champion He Chong.

    Arriving in Dubai this week are 69 divers from 14 countries, and while none were able to topple the Chinese in Beijing, there will be no easy paths to the top of the podium as the divers shape up for round two which runs from 19-21 March at the Hamdan Sports Complex.

    China were denied gold on only a handful of occasions in the 2014 Diving World Series, but each year the gap between the Chinese and the rest of the world is diminishing and the divers who have triumphed over them in the past will be looking for a repeat performance in Dubai.

    The men’s 10m is again shaping up as the event not to be missed, with Qiu Bo up against crowd favourite Tom Daley of Great Britain. Along with Qiu Bo, and in the absence of Minibaev who is competing in the synchro event, Daley’s biggest rivals will be Olympic Champion David Boudia of USA, Jian Yang of China and Ivan Garcia of Mexico.

    Olympic gold medalist Tom Daley will be a major challenger for the title at Hamdan Sports Complex.

    “We are looking forward to another thrilling competition this year. With the World Championships in a few months all the divers will be doing their absolute best to be selected for their countries and prove that they are the one to beat” said Ahmed Al Falasi, President of the UAE Swimming Federation.

    The event runs over three days, starting with the 10m platform synchro finals on Thursday 19 March from 10-12noon, followed by the opening ceremony at 5pm and 3m springboard synchro finals from 6-8pm. Friday’s 3m individual springboard semi-finals session runs from 10-12noon, with the finals from 5-7pm. The final day of competition on Saturday 21 March sees the 10m platform semi-finals from 10-12noon, followed by the finals from 5-7pm.

    Tickets to catch all the action at the FINA/NVC Diving World Series will be available at the door at the Hamdan Sports Complex on Emirates Road. Tickets are 40dhs per day for general entry, and children under 12 are free. 

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