ROME - Alexandre Despatie of Laval, Que., and Reuben Ross of Regina captured a bronze medal in the men's three-metre synchronized diving event Saturday at the world swimming championships.
Olympic champions Qin Kai and Wang Feng of China defended their world championship title, compiling 467.94 points in the six-dive final. Americans Troy Dumais and Kristian Ipsen were second with 445.59 points as Despatie and Ross took third with 428.64.
Despatie earned his seventh career world championship medal.
Italian brothers Nicola and Tommaso Marconi moved into provisional first place with a strong final dive, enlivening a decent sized crowd at the Foro Italico immediately before China's final dive.
The crowd's cheers turned into boos when Qin and Wang were introduced, but the Chinese duo kept its cool and gained 9s and 9.5s with a reverse 2 1/2 somersault with 1 1/2 twists, silencing the fans and solidifying their victory.
Montreal's Meaghan Benfeito was fourth in the women's 10-metre platform diving event.
Mexican Paola Espinosa upset Olympic champion Chen Ruolin of China for the gold medal, finishing with 428.25 points through five dives. Chen had 417.60 points with compatriot Kang Li third with 410.35.
Benfeito finished with 396.50 points while Roseline Filion of Laval, Que., was 10th with 340.20.
Espinosa scored a 10 on her second dive, a back 3 1/2 somersault tuck, and another perfect score in the third round with a reverse 3 1/2 somersault tuck.
