This afternoon Beijing time, the 2026 Diving World Cup Final featured the women’s synchronized 10-meter platform event. Competing at the iconic “Water Cube,” Chen Yuxi made a last-minute partner switch after her usual teammate Cui Jiaxi withdrew due to unforeseen circumstances. She teamed up with close friend Lu Wei for their international debut as a pair. The duo delivered a phenomenal performance, securing the gold medal with an impressive total of 366.12 points.
The finals included nine events: men’s and women’s 3m springboard, 10m platform, synchronized 3m springboard, synchronized 10m platform, and the mixed team event. At the Diving World Cup stop in Montreal earlier this year, the Chinese diving team swept all nine gold medals, earning full qualification for the finals.
In the first round of the women’s synchronized 10m platform, Chen Yuxi and Lu Wei executed a solid 201B (backward dive with half twist, pike), scoring 54.60 points to take an early lead. However, they were only 0.6 points ahead of the North Korean pair, Jo Jin-mi and Kim Mi-rae, silver medalists in the women’s synchronized 10m at the Paris Olympics and the biggest threat to the Chinese team in this final.
The second round was another required dive. The North Korean pair, who had won silver at the Montreal World Cup, made a mistake. Chen Yuxi and Lu Wei showed some minor issues in takeoff rhythm and height synchronization but still performed better in the 301B (reverse dive with half twist, pike), extending their lead.
Entering the optional dives, the North Koreans scored 72.90 points in the third round. But Chen and Lu were even more impressive, earning 81 points for their 107B (forward 3½ somersaults, pike). After three dives, they had built a comfortable lead.
In the fourth round, Chen and Lu performed the 407C (inward 3½ somersaults, tuck), their signature move, scoring a superb 84.48 points to stretch their lead to over 20 points.
For the final dive, the 5253B (backward 2½ somersaults, 1½ twists, pike), Chen Yuxi and Lu Wei delivered a near-perfect performance. Their takeoff, twisting, and entry were flawlessly synchronized, earning a spectacular 90.24 points and securing the gold medal with a total of 366.12 points.
The North Korean duo of Jo Jin-mi and Kim Mi-rae won silver, while Australian pair Ellie Cole and Pakingee took the bronze.
