Chinese divers win 3rd straight world title in women's 3m synchronized springboard

Chen Yiwen and Chang Yani of China captured their third straight diving world title in women's synchronized 3-metre springboard on Wednesday.

The decorated duo earned 323.43 points at the World Aquatics Championships, giving China its fifth diving gold medal of the competition in Doha, Qatar.

At the Hamad Aquatic Centre, the synchronized silver went to Australia's Anabelle Smith and Maddison Keeney in 300.45. Britain's Scarlett Mew Jensen and Yasmin Harper claimed bronze at 281.70, edging the American duo of Krysta Palmer and Alison Gibson by a mere 2.4 points.

Pamela Ware and Mia Vallée were the lone Canadians in the event and placed 15th of 18 duos with 201.27 points.

WATCH | Full coverage of women's 3m synchro from Qatar:

According to Radio-Canada, things began to go wrong after a well-executed first dive, particularly for Ware, who appeared to have problems with her takeoff leg at the end of the springboard.

In ninth spot before their fifth and final dive, the Canadians had a chance to climb to sixth and ensure qualification for the Paris Olympics this summer, but Ware missed her takeoff jump and fell into the water.

Last October, Ware was Canada's best diver at the Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile. The four-time world-championship medallist from Montreal won the country's only gold medals (in 1m and 3m springboard) while adding silver in 3m synchro with Vallée.

Ware, 30, produced five straight solid dives en route to winning a world bronze medal in 3m springboard last July in Fukuoka, Japan. It was her fourth career podium finish at worlds and first since capturing silver in the same discipline in 2015.

WATCH | Ware returns to world aquatics podium in 2023:

The 2021 Olympian won three medals last May,