He Zi denies Cagnotto in close 1m duel
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E-mail China.org.cn, July 24, 2013
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Gold medalist He Zi (left) and bronze medalist Wang Han, both from China, pose during the victory ceremony for the women's 1-meter springboard final yesterday in Barcelona. |
He Zi, an Olympic gold medallist last year, reclaimed the women's world 1m springboard title in a desperately close duel with European champion Tania Cagnotto, overtaking the Italian on the last dive of the final to win by just one-tenth of a point, the smallest margin in any diving event in the history of the World Championships.
The victory sealed China's fourth title out of five thus far contested in Barcelona, He winning with 307.10 points, with Cagnotto having to settle for silver on 307.00 and He's teammate Wang Han, who collected the bronze in 2009 and silver in 2011, taking bronze on 297.75.
"I'm a little surprised by the result of the day," He said. "But I am very happy. I haven't thought about (the margin of victory). I can't even believe that I have the gold medal."
He started with an inward pike with 1 1/2 somersaults to lead by more than three points from Cagnotto and Wang.
However, Cagnotto entered the final round with a five-point lead over He Zi. She looked set to win her first world title after a reverse pike with 1 1/2 somersaults drew wild cheers from the smattering of Italian fans.
But on the last dive, He Zi nailed a difficult reverse with 1 1/2 somersaults and 1 1/2 twists for 66.30 points, the highest score of the final.
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