China secures mixed team gold at Diving World Cup in Guadalajara

(L to R) Gold medalist Chen Yuxi, Chen Yiwen, Wang Zongyuan, Cheng Zilong of China pose after the victory ceremony of the mixed 3m&10m team final at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup 2025 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, on April 4, 2025. (Photo by Diana Marquez/Xinhua)

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, April 4 (Xinhua) -- China claimed the opening gold medal in the mixed team event at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup in Guadalajara on Friday.

China's Chen Yuxi, Chen Yiwen, Wang Zongyuan, and Cheng Zilong combined for a total of 489.10 points to top the podium. Italy finished second with 416.45 points, followed by Germany with 396.20.

"The mixed team event has always been a relatively relaxing one for us. We were in a good mindset and really enjoyed the competition," Chen Yiwen told Xinhua after the match.

Chen Yuxi, who performed two dives that she had struggled with the day before, said, "I'm quite satisfied with today's performance. I perform the same dives that I failed yesterday, and I'm glad they turned out well this time."

Wang admitted he was not at his best. "I wasn't fully mentally prepared," he said. "Thankfully, my teammates stepped up and made up for the points. I fully trust them."

Making the debut in a world-level competition, Cheng expressed both excitement and nervousness. "I tried my best to stay calm and believed in myself," he remarked.

Earlier in the day, Chen Yiwen and Chen Jia advanced to the women's 3m springboard final as the top two in the preliminaries, while Cheng Zilong and Zhu Zifeng placed second and third respectively in the men's 10m platform prelims to secure spots in the final.

Chen Yuxi and Quan Hongchan will renew their rivalry in the women's 10m platform final on Saturday, alongside finals in the women's synchronized 3m springboard, men's synchronized 10m platform, and men's 3m springboard events. 

(L to R) Gold medalist Chen Yuxi, Chen Yiwen, Wang Zongyuan, Cheng Zilong of China pose after the victory ceremony of the mixed 3m&10m team final at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup 2025 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, on April 4, 2025. (Photo by Diana Marquez/Xinhua)

Chen Yuxi of China competes during the mixed 3m&10m team final at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup 2025 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, on April 4, 2025. (Photo by Diana Marquez/Xinhua)

Chen Yuxi (L) and Cheng Zilong of China compete during the mixed 3m&10m team final at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup 2025 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, on April 4, 2025. (Photo by Diana Marquez/Xinhua)