Russian blocks China’s chance at diving gold sweep

LONDON — There were two divers from China on the medal podium for the men’s three-meter springboard ceremony.

Just not in the usual spot at the Aquatics Centre.

China’s chance at a gold sweep of the diving events at the London Olympics ended when Ilya Zakharov of Russia nailed his final dive, scoring 104.50 points on it to win gold Tuesday night.

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An emotionally spent Qin Kai of China took the silver and defending Olympic champion He Chong claimed the bronze. American Troy Dumais, competing in his fourth Olympic Games, placed fifth.

The overall difference between Zakharov and Qin was a mere 14.15 points; Zakharov had 555.90 points to Qin’s 541.75. It was Russia’s first diving gold medal since 2000; the Chinese divers had won all five contested diving events in London.

Qin had taken the lead after his dive in the fifth round, but the Russian diver sent a buzz through the crowd with his final effort, a forward 41/2 somersault tuck with a degree of difficulty of 3.8.

In fact, he saved his two most difficult dives on his list for his last two.

The 21-year-old from Leningrad was all in. And the gamble took out Qin, who was devastated, sobbing after he watched the gold slip away.

Dumais, who was the oldest athlete in the 12-diver final at age 32, leaves the Olympic stage for the last time.

“I came here to have fun and I’m walking out of here having fun,” said the native of Ventura.

Regarding the future, Dumais said he told USA Diving officials he would compete in the upcoming nationals.

“I would like to continue to world championships and retire ... and help the new kids come up,” said Dumais, a bronze medalist here in the synchronized three-meter springboard event.

“But any day, that could change.”

He was the first U.S. men’s diver to compete in four Olympics. The legendary Greg Louganis participated in three and qualified for the 1980 Games, which were boycotted.

“As an athlete, when you have a desire and want to do something, you fight for it,” Dumais said. “It doesn’t matter how long the journey is. It’s whether you give up or you don’t. And I chose not to give up.”

lisa.dillman@latimes.com

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