Qin Kai overpowers Men’s 3m Springboard heat: Day two – 18th FINA Diving World Cup
Olympic gold medallist and Chinese diving specialist, Qin Kai overpowered his challengers by conquering the preliminary rounds of Men’s 3m Springboard event on day two of the 18th Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) Visa Diving World Cup 2012 at the Olympic Aquatics Centre in London on Tuesday, February 21.
The 26-year-old Kai, who earned gold medal of the Men’s Synchronised 3m Springboard on opening day of the championship, has alarmed his competitors with his tremendous effort in the qualifying rounds of the individual 3m event.
Kai obtained a bronze medal in the 3m individual discipline whereas he won gold medal of the 3m Synchronised event at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He also accomplished gold medal of the 3m Synchronised discipline at the 2011 Shanghai World Championships.
The Chinese diver went full rampant in the 3m discipline and occupied top position in the overall rankings with an impressive score of 521.85 points. He remained in a lead of 19 points over his team-member, He Chong, who made his way into the semi-final round with 502.85 points.
Australia’s Ethan Warren was 27.60 points away from Chong and qualified into the semi-final as third best diver by accomplishing 475.25 points. Illya Kvasha of Ukraine was short of almost seven points from his preceding diver and ranked fourth with a score of 468.80 points.
The fifth qualifying position was obtained by Jack Laugher of Great Britain, who remained nearly 10 points behind and attained 458.05 points. Laugher was chased by Illya Zakharov of Russia, who earned a total of 456.70 points for sixth position.
Subsequently, the crowd witnessed a laudable effort of Sascha Klein of Germany, who was just 6.25 points away from Zakharov and ranked seventh in the first round for notching up 450.45 points.
Canada’s Alexandre Despatie remained slightly behind Klein and transpired as the eighth best finalist by raking 446.40 points.
Kai’s alluring effort in the individual discipline has crushed all hopes of his competitors, who were eyeing the title of 3m event. Furthermore, these finalists will contest each other in the second round to earn top positions in the playoff.
Tags: