Diving: Malaysia pips China in 10m platform for historic gold

(Left to right) Bronze medalist Ren Qian of China, gold medalist Cheong Jun Hoong of Malaysia and silver medalist Si Yajie of China pose for photographs during the awarding ceremony of the Women's Diving 10m Platform event at the 17th FINA Swimming World Championships in Budapest.
PHOTO: EPA

BUDAPEST (AFP) - Cheong Jun Hoong won Malaysia's first ever diving gold medal at the aquatics world championships in Budapest on Wednesday (July 19) in the women's 10-metre platform event.

"My god, I'm a world champion!" said Cheong who came first with 397.50 points.

"I hoped for a medal, but I didn't think I could beat the Chinese divers," she said.

China's Si Yajie took silver just behind the Malaysian with 396.00 points.

"Cheong's win is a little surprise for me, but I congratulate her," she said.

Si's compatriot and reigning Olympic champion Ren Qian, who won silver in the event in 2015, took bronze (391.95).

Chinese divers have long dominated this event at world championships, winning 22 medals, 16 more than any other country.

Kim Kuk Hyang of North Korea, who won gold in 2015, came fourth with 388.55.

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