The complex splash as a diver completes a difficult maneuver. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

 

Two divers climb the staircase ready to show their skills. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

 

An injured foot is bandaged for support but the diver continues to compete. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

The 19th FINA Diving World Cup, one of the world's leading international diving competitions, ended in Shanghai on Sunday.

The biennial competition began in 1979 in Woodlands, Texas, and has become one of the centerpieces where the world's top divers, coaches and fans get together and compete.

In Shanghai this year the FINA Diving World Cup was staged at the Oriental Sports Center in Pudong New Area. The competition started on July 15 and attracted more than 400 athletes from over 30 countries and regions. 

China's Wu Minxia looks for her score after a dive. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

 

Officials keeping an eye on the pool. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

 

Some of the spectators use high-tech photography to capture the moments. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

Among the stars was China's diving "dream team" led by Wu Minxia and they shone, competing with world champions and medal winners, including the likes of London Olympics champion, David Boudia from the US and British diving ace Thomas Daley.

Olympics and championship winner Wu Minxia and her younger partner, Shi Tingmao, convincingly swept to the front in the women's 3-meter synchronized springboard - the only event in the Shanghai competition Wu competed in this year. "I hope I will be able to fight on until the 2016 Rio Olympics," said Wu, who is, at 28, the oldest diver in the Chinese team. She has won five championships in a row in the 3-meter synchronized springboard this year.

Chinese newcomer Huang Xiaohui claimed her first individual title at world level in the women's 10-meter platform on the fourth day of the contest.

"I'm happy with my first individual world title. However, my performance was not even and there were some flaws which left me a little unhappy," the 17-year-old said afterwards.

Global Times