FINA WJDC 2016: Russia takes first gold medal

Today, on Day 2 of the FINA World Junior Diving Championships in Kazan, a Russian representative climbed the top spot of the podium. Nikita Shleikher showed the best result in the 3m springboard final (Group A Boys) and earned the first gold medal for Team Russia’s collection.

After five dives Nikita Shleikher scored 589.35. Chen Linhai of China placed second with 572.80.

“Kazan is a very big and beautiful city; it’s my first time here and I’m very happy that the tournament is held in this city. Today we had a tough competition. I could have won gold; I fought hard for the first place but I failed to outmatch Nikita,” said Chen Linhai.

According to him, home walls and fans’ strong support helped Nikita Shleikher to win the title. “I will have a chance to get my own back; I set myself a goal to win gold and I believe that I will be able to achieve it,” said the silver medallist.

Australia’s Alexander Carter Matthew of Australia settled for bronze (564.80). The diver was happy with his result. “I think that I did well in the final; my dives were clean and I’m happy that I won a medal,” he said.