The stage is set for the Fina/NVC Diving World Series 2016 at the Hamdan Sports Complex from March 17-19, after round one in Beijing.
The world's best divers arrived in Dubai on Tuesday and among them is the popular Olympic bronze medallist Tom Daley from Great Britain. Daley missed out on a podium finish to Russian Viktor Minibaev by 0.95 points in Beijing, in the final of the men's 10m platform.
Daley said: "It was a bit frustrating to be less than a point outside of a medal individually, but Dan and I managed to get a bronze medal in synchro - two medals in two international competitions. It's exciting to be competing against the best divers in the world in so many different locations, the event here in Dubai is always amazing with the crowd support which gets the atmosphere going. I hope to have some free time to enjoy Dubai also, there's always so much to do here."
Chinese divers clinched the remaining three titles on the platform on the last day in Beijing and swept all the 10 gold medals on offer over the weekend.
From China's female diving superstars, Si Yajie arrived in good spirits following her triumph in the women's 10m event in Beijing. The 2013 world champion who slumped for about one year after her victory at the 2013 Barcelona World Championships returned to the top level by finishing in second behind Ren Qian in the World Cup last month in Rio.
Si Yajie said: "I am looking forward to a steady performance in Dubai, competition is definitely stronger than before with it being an Olympic year."
The UAE Swimming Federation is inviting all schools from across the UAE to attend the morning session of action from 10am until 12noonon Thursday March 17 and the students will be able to witness the 10m platform synchronized finals, an event which never disappoints.
"With just a few days to go until the second leg of the Fina/NVC Diving World Series 2016 it's great to see such a strong line-up of divers who are guaranteed to thrill the crowds this weekend," said Ahmed Al Falasi, president, UAE Swimming Federation.
The 2016 Fina/NVC Diving World Series event consists of four legs and kicked off in Beijing followed by Dubai this weekend, Windsor (Canada) before the last leg in Kazan (Russia) on 22-24 April.
Divers compete for points and prize money at each of the 10 events, in the categories of 3m springboard and 10m platform in solo, synchro and mixed synchro diving.
Tickets are Dh50 per day and entry for children under 12 is free.
