Russia’s Sautin Crashes China’s Party in World Diving Finale

It wasn’t the way the Chinese wanted to end the World Swimming Championships’ diving competition Thursday--beaten by a Russian. Dmitry Sautin produced the dive of the day to edge Sun Shuwei and end China’s four-event winning streak.

Sun had moved into first place on the 10-meter highboard with a spectacular dive in the next-to-last round. His reverse 3 1/2 somersault drew four 9s from the judges and a score of 87.12.

Sautin responded in style. The 20-year-old Russian, who got the silver medal in the three-meter springboard competition, gained a 9.5 and three 9s with a slightly less difficult backward 1 1/2 somersault with 3 1/2 twists that had the crowd at the Foro Italico roaring. The dive earned Sautin 84.48 points and a total of 634.71.

Sun, the leader after nine dives, needed to score 83.00 or higher on his final dive to win. His reverse 3 1/2 somersault earned him only 78.54 points.

Sun finished second with 630.03 points, followed by Russia’s Vladimir Timoshinin with 607.32.

In women’s water polo, the U.S. team lost to the Netherlands, 10-7, and can do no better than win the bronze medal.