Synchro divers just miss a medal

Lizzie Cui and Yu Qian Goh just missed out on a medal on the opening day of the diving competition, finishing fourth in the synchronised 3m springboard final.

In a see-sawing event, Cui and Goh scored a combined total of 251.70. Gold medallists Australia scored 284.10 points. An excellent final dive, which earned the New Zealanders 54.90 for their forward 2½ somersaults with a twist  put Cui and Goh briefly into bronze medal position, before they were passed by Malaysia in the last round.

Cui said the fourth place was a huge accomplishment for New Zealand diving.

“We came in with no expectations because we haven’t dived synchro for such a long time,” she said. “It shows an exciting future.”

Likewise, her team-mate Yu enjoyed the thrill of competing together.

“It’s such a fun event. You share the excitement and nerves together. We’re also similar in that we thrive under pressure, so it’s a good combination.”

Meanwhile Liam Stone missed out on a place in the final of the 1metre springboard competition, finishing 13^th.

Stone recorded a combined score of 255.90 from his six dives and fell one spot short of earning a place in the 12 strong final.

Stone was disappointed not to make the final.

“It’s my lowest score ever,” he said. “I’m gutted to not make the final, but there’s no point in dwelling on it. I’ll go back and work on things with my coach in practice and look to improve in the 3m springboard.”