Malaysian diver pips China for historic gold at aquatics world championships
BUDAPEST — Cheong Jun Hoong won Malaysia's first ever diving gold medal at the aquatics world championships in Budapest, Hungary on Wednesday (July 19) in the women's 10-metre platform event.
Malaysia's Cheong Jun Hoong with her gold medal after winning the women's 10m platform final at the 2017 Fina World Championships on July 19. Photo: AFP
BUDAPEST — Cheong Jun Hoong won Malaysia's first ever diving gold medal at the aquatics world championships in Budapest, Hungary 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. AFP
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