New challenge for Chinese divers at Beijing meet

Chinese divers will meet new challenge at the upcoming FINA Diving World Series Beijing which will open at the "Water Cube" National Aquatic Center Friday.

The mixed synchronized events will make their debut in the World Series. China's He Zi and Chen Aisen will pair up for the 3m springboard, while Tai Xiaohu/Lianjie will compete in the 10m platform.

China's Olympic champions Wu Minxia, Chen Ruolin, and He Chong will also participate in the Beijing meet.

World champion Thomas Daley of Britain will take part in the men's 10m platform, and he said he was looking forward to the mixed event.

"If I choose a female diver to be my partner, I will definitely choose Wu Minxia," said Daley. "She is the best in the world."

"It is my first international competition this season, and it's great to be back here in the water cube," he said.

A total of 73 divers from 12 coutries and regions will take part in the competition, including Russia's diving star Ilya Zakharov and Mexico's diving world champ Paola Espinosa.