Russian duo win home synchronized diving event

Russia has won the men's three-meter synchronized diving event on the final day of competition at the World Series, adding a fourth medal to Russia's collection.

The three meter springboard synchronized men's event was the final day's biggest draw. With the usually dominant Team China not competing in the event, it promised an open competition.The Russian pair of Evgeny Kuznetsov and Ilya Zakharov led from the first round to secure the gold with a solid performance, while the US team came second and Ukraine third.“I think the Chinese divers decided to take a pause and have some rest,” Kuznetsov assumed. “We also didn't compete at the Beijing stage. However we tried to show our best, despite their absence.” Zakharov echoed his partner, saying he was frustrated by the Chinese team’s absence. “We expected to compete with them, as we prepared hard for this competition,” he added. After this win the Russian duo will travel to the final stage of the World Series in Mexico next week, and are allowed to skip the domestic championship, which means they have both booked their place for the national team at the London Olympics.“I don't know yet. I haven't talked with the head coach. But it seems like yes, we are going to the Olympics. It's great,” said Ilya Zakharov.Meanwhile, the Chinese won all the gold medals in the night's other events. He Zi and Wu Mincia took the first two places in three meter springboard. Lin Yue got the highest score in the men's ten meter platform, and Van Hao and Chen Zholin won the ten meter tower.Consequently, the Chinese divers are the indisputable leaders in the sport and will be hoping to add a few more medals at the final stop of the series in Tijuana next week.