Wang Zongyuan and Long Daoyi (left) compete men's 3m synchronized springboard at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, on Feb 4, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

DOHA - Chinese divers Wang Zongyuan and Long Daoyi retained their world title in men's 3m synchronized springboard at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships on Sunday.

The duo secured their victory with a score of 442.41 points, outclassing the second-placed Italian pair, Giovanni Tocci and Lorenzo Marsaglia, by a substantial margin of 58.17 points. However, the Chinese pair expressed dissatisfaction with their performance.

In the second round of the event, Long had a noticeable mistake. The 20-year-old even shed tears during mix zone interviews, revealing the high standards they set for themselves.

In the women's 10m platform preliminaries, Chinese stars Chen Yuxi and Quan Hongchan took the top two positions. Chen scored 435.20 points, with Quan trailing 35.90 points behind. The final showdown will unfold on Monday

"We aspire to match the achievements of legendary predecessors, but that mistake happened," Long stated.

"For us, it was an error. But I refrained from mentioning it during the break between rounds because I was concerned about affecting his mindset. Fortunately, he adjusted in the subsequent rounds," Wang recalled.

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With this victory, Wang has now won his seventh world title. His next challenge looms at the Paris Olympics, where he aims to vie for the solo event's gold as well.

"For everyone, standing atop the podium in the individual event is the ultimate goal, and I am no exception," said Wang. "I believe in trusting the process, and solving issues in training. And it will yield positive results."

Spain's Adrian Abadia and Nicolas Garcia Boissier snatched an Olympic quota by claiming the bronze with 383.28 points.

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In the women's 10m platform preliminaries, Chinese stars Chen Yuxi and Quan Hongchan took the top two positions. Chen scored 435.20 points, with Quan trailing 35.90 points behind. The final showdown will unfold on Monday.