U.S. Diving Championships : Williams and Pichler Leading

Wendy Lian Williams, the 1988 Olympic bronze medalist, and Dave Pichler led Saturday’s qualifiers for today’s 10-meter platform finals at the U.S. Diving Championships.

Williams, a University of Miami junior, is defending her women’s platform title. Pichler, an Ohio State sophomore who placed third in this year’s National Collegiate Athletic Assn. meet, heads the men’s field of 12 qualifiers seeking to succeed retired Greg Louganis, who will be honored at today’s finals, as champion.

Williams, apparently untroubled by a January ankle injury, scored 415.38 points for eight dives.

Wendy Wyland of Boca Raton, Fla., the 1984 Olympic platform bronze medalist, was second with 380.67 points, and Michigan senior Corky Smith was third among the 12 qualifiers with 354.99 points.

Pichler edged Matt Scoggin of Austin, Tex., the 1987 champion, 534.24 to 533.40. Olympian Patrick Jeffrey of Columbus, Ohio, was third with 521.94.