Zhang Jiaqi (R) of Beijing poses with coach during the awarding ceremony of women's 10m platform final of Diving at the 13th Chinese National Games in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Aug. 25, 2017. Zhang Jiaqi claimed the title with 427.45 points. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
TIANJIN, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 13-year-old Zhang Jiaqi of Beijing celebrated her second gold medal at the 13th Chinese National Games here on Friday as she beat Olympic champion Ren Qian to lift the women's 10m platform title.
Zhang, who won the 10m synchronized platform with Zhang Minjie of Shanghai, dominated the field from the heat, semifinal and final, winning the title in a total of 427.45 points.
Her synchro partner Zhang Minjie finished second in 396.15 while Ren Qian, who suffered from a shaky 207C for 33.55, had to concede to a bronze medal in 377.90.
"It is just one victory for a competition, It does not mean anything to me. I will compete in more competitions in the future. I am young and I hope I can show my best in every competition," Zhang said.
Zhang started diving in 2011 and made the Beijing team in 2014. After taking her first gold medal in the National Championships last September, she received a call from the national team.
"Ren Qian is a more experienced diver and my role model. I still need to improve in many aspects," said Zhang who scored a day-high 92.80 for her last dive 5253B.
Ren, who claimed two golds from the mixed and synchro platform at the FINA World Championships in Budapest last month, admitted she was higher and heavier than the time she won the 10m platform title at the Rio Olympic Games.
"I am taller and heavier. I cannot dive as easy as what I did one year ago. I have to get used to it. On the other hand, I have to face the strong challenges from the youngsters," said Ren, who finished second behind Zhang Jiaqi/Zhang Minjie in the 10m synchro platform with Si Yajie of Shanxi at the ongoing National Games.
