Date:22/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/22/stories/2008082256442100.htm
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Sport - Olympic Games

Chen does it for China

— Photo: AP

REGAINING GLORY: Chen Ruolin helped China win the women’s 10m platform title after a gap of 12 years.

BEIJING: Chen Ruolin rallied on her last dive to earn four 10s, winning the gold medal in women’s 10m platform on Thursday and making China 7-for-7 with one event remaining at the Beijing Olympics.

Chen totalled 447.70 points after hitting a backward 2-1/2 somersault with 1-1/2 twists with the title on the line.

Emilie Heymans of Canada, who led by 7.15 points going into Chen’s last dive, earned the silver with 437.05.

Chen’s teammate, Wang Xin, took the bronze at 429.50.

American Laura Wilkinson, the 2000 Olympic champion, finished ninth in her final competition before retiring.

Seven perfect scores

Chen earned four 10s and three 9.5s for her effort — rated 3.4 degree of difficulty. Overall, Chen received seven 10s during the five-round final.

The mostly Chinese crowd inside the Water Cube roared when her scores lit up the board, realising the home country had done it again. — Agencies

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