FINA High Diving World Cup: US diver Steve LoBue leads the table after initial session of dives. Part 4

The opening day of the FINA High Diving World Cup offered quite a few jaw-dropping dives. Legendary Colombian diver Orlando DUQUE, David COLTURI (USA) and bronze medallist of the 2013 FINA World Championships Jonathan PAREDES (MEX) took the lead after the first attempt with 102.6 points. The Russian divers were less successful in their dives: Ilia SHCHUROV placed 19th, Artem SILCHENKO showed a better result ending up 16th.

In the next attempts, the degree of difficulty as well as the quality of performance have increased. PARADES and DUQUE retained the lead after the second dive. Another tournament favourite, famous British diver Gary HUNT badly missed his attempt and fell down to the 10th position. SILCHENKO made a little progress moving up to 13th while Ilia SHCHUROV failed to improve his position, still staying outside the qualifying spots.

Steve LOBUE (USA) beat everyone in the third attempt with 164.70. He leapfrogged from the 7th spot to the top of the table and was able to defend the lead. DUQUE, SILCHENKO, HUNT, Andy JONES (USA) and Blake ALDRIDGE (GBR) produced excellent dives but they couldn’t outclass LEBOUE’s. Thanks to his succesful third attempt, Ilia SHCHUROV managed to squeeze into the top 18 and will continue competing at the World Cup.

“My first two dives killed my mood and my self-confidence but my third dive saved the day,” Ilia SHCHUROV said after his effort in this preliminary session.

“I’m stunned by the views from the platform!” the provisional leader LoBue couldn’t help flattering the venue in his interview. “I’ve seen many places but this venue is really impressive. As for the opening day results, I’m very happy with them.”

“Steven performed one of the most difficult dives and he did it well; that’s the key of his provisional lead. I’m content with my dives but the main tussle is yet to come,” Orlando Duque said.

The men’s finals will take place on Sunday, August 10.

Men's High Dive Round 1-3

1. Steve LOBUE (USA) – 364.80
2. Orlando DUQUE (COLOMBIA) – 361,50
3. Gary HUNT (GBR) – 346.95
... 8. Artem SILCHENKO (RUS) – 324.80
... 15. Ilia SHCHUROV (RUS) – 259.10