Immediately after and by the smallest margin of 3.6 points, Silchenko was followed by national star Jonathan Paredes, bronze medallist in Barcelona, who ended up with 341.75 points.

Defending champion in the competition, the legendary Orlando Duque of Colombia, unsurprisingly secured the third position on Day 1 with 337.50 points while Gary Hunt of Great Britain and the American Steve LoBue secured respectively the fourth and fifth spots.

Winner on Day 1 in Cozumel, Artem Silchenko (RUS) said:

 

“I am of course very happy about today’s performance, but I made three little mistakes on the most difficult dive but I still ended up leading the three first rounds. I see my dives for round 4 and 5 less difficult now. Today was interesting and good as I received nines for most of my dives.

I have been coming to Cozumel for the past two years and I really love it here since the first time.
Kazan is going to be a little bit more difficult than here because everyone wants to see a Russian champion in Russia, so the pressure is there. I cannot wait to compete at home, with the fans."

 

Mexican star Jonathan Paredes said:  “I didn´t know my score until the very last moment. I am used not to listen to anything to avoid being distracted in my dives. I´m really happy about my job today, my last dive was not so good though. It was not what I expected but it was ok and I´m really happy.

Cozumel’s structure is perfect and the sea view from up there is just beautiful. I think there´s no comparison, this one is the most beautiful I have seen. I hope Sunday will be just as good.

I am obviously hoping the best for Kazan. High diving as a sport is improving and growing and I love being part of it with the ever stronger Mexican Team. We all want to be the best always and we are training really hard for this. I expect good results in Kazan."


Photo credit: Christian Palma

Last edition of the High Diving World Cup overall winner Orlando Duque (COL) said: "I feel great although I made a little mistake in my last dive. I am sure that I can get best results but I am happy to be in the first three. I am so ready for the final on Sunday.

 

Today was a bit windy up there which makes you realise the level of the competition. It isn’t easy. I enjoy feeling the love of my fans here in Cozumel, it really cheers me up. The level of the competition here is so high, it’s nice to see the progress of everyone.

 

Kazan is the most important competition of the year in high diving. Every day I am improving and training to do my best in Russia."

The women’s competition starts tomorrow (Saturday May 9). Nine divers are expected to take part.

The second FINA High Diving World Cup brings together divers from 15 countries and a total prize money of $ 118,000 is on offer.

The participating countries are Germany, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Spain, United States, France, Britain, Italy, Poland, Russia, Ukraine and Mexico.


Photo credit: Christian Palma