BUDAPEST, July 17 (Xinhua) -- China's Shi Tingmao and Chang Yani combined to win the gold medal of women's 3m Synchronized Springboard at the 2017 FINA World Championships here on Monday.
The two Chinese divers led from the first dive en route to the title with 333.30 points in their first World Championships journey as partners.
It was also Shi's third consecutive gold medal in the event at the worlds. Wu Minxia, her former partner in two previous editions, made her decision of retirement after the Rio Olympic Games and was reported to act as a TV commentator for the tournament in the Hungarian capital.
"I know that she act as the commentator for this match. I can feel her support for us and the whole Chinese diving team," said Shi.
For the 15-year-old Chang, pressure was expected to arrive when she replaced the five-time Olympic champion Wu as Shi's new partner.
"I feel a little pressure, as it is just my first time at the worlds," she pointed out.
In her maiden appearance at the worlds, Chang failed to make into the 1m Springboard final, while making a quick adjustment to clinch her first gold medal in world's major tournaments.
"I made some mistakes in 1m Springboard due to huge pressure, and I made better preparation this time with more experience," she said.
Shi, widely regarded as China's leading diver for women's springboard, could feel more responsibilities than ever before.
"No matter how many Olympic Games or World Championships ahead of me, the goal always remains the same, which is to finish atop the podium," she said.
"Congratulations to other four divers for their excellent performance. I want to compliment my partner. She is only 15 years old, but she has been the champion now. It proves that we can work some magic," added Shi.
Canadian duo of Melissa Citrini Beaulieu and Jennifer Abel were placed second with 323.43 points. Kristina Ilinykh and Nadezhda Bazhina of Russia took away the bronze at 312.60. Enditem
