RDC2017: Nikita Schleikher claims bronze at the Russian diving championships

Day 3 of the Russian Diving Championships held at the Aquatics Palace opened with the men’s 3m springboard event, where the favorite of the line-up Ilya Zakharov from Saratov proved his excellence over rivals with 490,50 points. His synchro duet diving partner Evgeny Kuznetsov from Stavropol finished second (483,75), and Nikita Schleikher, diver from Kazan, claimed bronze (474,40).

Semi-final and final results were no surprise for diving enthusiasts and experts. However, for Ilya Zakharov this victory wasn’t an easy one as Kuznetsov and Schleikher alternately took the lead during the decisive round as well. Yet Zakharov's sidnature twist dives let him seize the title.

After the competition the gold medallist confessed he couldn’t perform as well as he wanted to, and that the competition between divers was really tough.

“I am grateful to my contestants who demonstrated the highest skill level that forced me to show everything I’ve got in return. I do have a lot to offer, I know this, but still there is work to be done. Today I tried to perform a new diving programme and made some mistakes. We will work on this with my coach and I hope to perform this programme well to get highest scores and please spectators.”

Evgeny Kuznetsov, silver medallist, admitted that there’s always some matter of principle in their competitions against Ilya Zakharov.

“I am pleased with the podium spot, it’s the second medal for 2 days of the competition but there’s still a bit of frustration. I want to edge Ilya, I won’t deny it, any athlete wants to be the first. We are old friends and have been diving together for long in the National team and in synchro duets, but in individuals every man for himself.”

“I was in Kazan just a month ago and now I feel much better, I am getting back in shape. There’s no more time for hesitating – trainings for the World Championships in Budapest will start right after the Kazan competitions. Just like at the Olympic Games, world’s brightest diving stars get together at the World Championships and every detail may be crucial here.” the diver added.

Bronze medallist Nikita Schleikher thanked numerous spectators gathered at the Aquatics Palace for their support.