With stunning precision and dazzling athleticism, the duo of Chen Ruolin and Wang Hao led China to another gold medal off the big tower in women's 10-metre synchronised diving Tuesday.
The Chinese were tied for second after the first round behind the British team, giving the home crowd a brief thrill. They quickly faded and no one could keep up with Chen and Wang.
The 19-year-olds earned at least 8.5 from the judges on each of their five dives, and even picked up a perfect 10 in the final round.
China won going away with 368.40 points, making the country three-for-three at the London Olympics - nearly halfway to its goal of sweeping the eight diving events.
"I felt nervous when I saw others competing," Chen said through a translator, "but when I was on the platform I didn't feel that nervous. I think I was very calm. I just performed as I trained."
Chen defended her Olympic title in platform synchro by following up the win she had at the Beijing Games with a different partner. She is also the defending Olympic champion and heavy favourite in the women's individual event off the platform.
The Chinese bowed and smiled when they saw their scores, but they clearly knew this one was in the bag. The bigger celebrations broke out in the Mexican and Canadian camps when they realised their teams had earned spots on the medal podium.
"I expected the gold medal," said Wang. "That's why I was so calm during the medal ceremony."
Mexico's Paola Espinosa and 15-year-old Alejandra Orozco took the silver with 343.32.
Roseline Filion and Meaghan Benfeito finished with 337.62, improving on their seventh-place finish in Beijing and giving the Canadians their second diving bronze of these games. The country also finished third in women's springboard synchro.
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