Guo takes second gold in women's 3m springboard

Reigning synchronized 3m springboard Olympic champion Guo Jingjing breezed to the individual title for her second Olympic gold in Athens on August 26 in the diving pool.

The 24-year-old clinched the fifth diving gold for China in seven events when she scored 633.15 points in five dives.

Guo swerved a little during the entry into the water in her last dive and received only 65.25.

But Guo's big lead of 38.70 after the fourth dive secured her the victory, leaving her closest rival and teammate Wu Minxia for silver in 612.00.

"I am so happy because this is the gold medal I have most wanted," said Guo, who was runner-up in both the individual and synchronized 3m springboard at Sydney Olympics four years ago.

"I brought my ability to a full display during the competition . .. I don't have any regret any more," she said.

Wu, Guo's synchronized partner, was happy with her silver medal.

"I am happy with the result. I did what I had expected and got the silver," said Wu, four years of Guo's junior.

Chinese team manager Zhou Jihong, women's platform champion at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, gave thumb-up to her protegees.

"The two divers did a great job tonight. I am satisfied with them," said Zhou, who led China to five diving gold medals in Sydney.

"After Guo successfully finished her third dive, I began to feel that we have secured the title," Zhou said.

The third dive, a forward 3 1/2 somersault, was the most difficult one in Guo's five dives.

Sydney Olympic synchronized champion Yulia Pakhalina settled for the third, 22.53 off the pace.

"I am happy with the bronze. I have got it all. I won gold in Sydney and now I got the silver," said the 27-year-old.

Vera Ilyina, partner of Pakhlina at the Sydney Olympics, was fourth ranked in 589.11.