Reigning world champions Shi Tingmao/Chang Yani proved they were the best in the women's 3m synchronized springboard at the Asian Games in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Shi/Chang, winners of the 2017 FINA World Championships and 2018 World Cup, led the field and collected a total of 335.70 points, beating Yan Yee NG/Nur Dhabitah Sabri of Malaysia 298.23 and Kwang Hui Kim/Ki Hwa Kim of DPR Korea 282.78.
"We did not look at the scores but concentrated on our dives. Chang is 10 years younger than me but she is smart and knows how to dive with me," said Shi who will be 27 years old in two days on Aug 31.
China has won all four gold medals in the women's synchro 3m springboard at the Asian Games and Shi became the first diver to win the sycnhro event three times since 2010.
"I always celebrate my birthday during the competitions. It's my third Asian Games and I hope I can win my fifth gold medal in the individual event," said the two-time Olympic champion, who had four gold medals from the Asiad since 2010.
Guo Jingjing was the only diver to win the 3m springboard individual and synchro at the same Asian Games as she did it in 2002.
Chang said she was nervous before the synchro final. "Though I had competed in last year's World Championships, I felt breathless before the final. It was Shi who encouraged me and told me the details," Chang said.
