Russian duo deny China gold in 3m synchro

BUDAPEST, Hungary: Russia’s Evgenii Kuznetsov and Ilia Zakharov denied China gold in the 3 metre synchro springboard for only the second time in history at the world swimming championships here on Saturday.

In 2003, China also lost out to a Russian duo, Aleksandr Dobroskok and Dmitriy Sautin.“We don’t compare our success with Chinese or others, because they are old friends for us,” said Kuznetsov who took gold with Zakharov on 450.30 points.

“We are full of energy and we are going to win more. We will prepare for our individual events and the next big step will be the Olympics in Tokyo,” said Kuznetsov.The disappointed young Chinese pair Cao Yuan and Xie Siyi came second with 443.40 points.

“We have only been a team since last December, we need more time to practice,” Cao said.Oleg Kolodiy and Illya Kasha clinched bronze for Ukraine (429.99) ahead of the British duo Jack Laugher and Chris Mears, Olympic champions in Rio last year, finished fourth (418.20).