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Diver Li wins Commonwealth Games silver

Steve LarkinAAP
Australian diver Shixin Li has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)
Camera IconAustralian diver Shixin Li has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

Australia's diving silver medallist Shixin Li says a judging mix-up disrupted his rhythm in the one-metre springboard final at the Commonwealth Games.

The Chinese-born Li finished behind England's Jack Laugher in Thursday night's final by just 10 points.

Li was on the springboard for the third of six dives when a judging mishap caused him to halt.

There appeared to be a discrepancy between the scores announced inside the Sandwell Aquatics Centre and official results.

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As judges sorted out the issue which centred on scoring for Scotland's James Heatly on the previous dive, the Australian exited the springboard, took a quick dip in the pool and then returned to action.

But his next dive was his lowest scoring, 61.50.

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"The judges had a little problem so it changed my competition rhythm," he said.

"But the last rounds I got it back and was very happy with that, it was a very good experience for me."

Li's final two dives scored 81.60 and 80.85 and he finished with a total of 437.05.

Laugher's 447.05 earnt him a sixth career Commonwealth Games gold medal and praise from Li.

"This is my first time Commonwealth (Games), my first time to the UK," Li said.

"And first event, to win a medal is exciting ... and Jack did very well tonight in the final."

Li, competing for China, was one-metre springboard world champion in 2011 and 2013.

He retired in 2014 and was lured to Australia to become a diving coach but decided to make a comeback to the sport.

He won bronze at last month's world titles despite contracting COVID and losing six kilograms while isolating in a hotel for 10 days in the build-up to the worlds.

The 34-year-old Li, who became an Australian citizen in 2019, has three more events in Birmingham.

"It's a little difficult for an old man but I will do my best," he said.

In the women's 10m platform final, Australia's Emily Meaney finished fifth with teammates Emily Boyd seventh and Nikita Hains eighth.

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