Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2019 - El Nido, Palawan Island (PHI) - Winning Dive Men

After winning the final four stops last year, 7-time champion Gary Hunt began this season where he left off – the brilliant Brit is unbeaten in five competitions across seasons. In El Nido’s beautiful lagoons Romania’s Constantin Popovici edged the leader after three rounds, Jonathan Paredes from Mexico, out of second place in his first competition as a permanent diver from 27 metres. With a pair of 10s for Paredes’ first dive of the season, the Mexican launched immaculately from the rocky off-the-cliffs spots above emerald green lagoon waters, taking the lead into round four. However, it was in this final round when Popovici’s impressive armstand dive earned the Romanian the high score of the day and his first ever World Series podium, just 1.35 points ahead of Mexico’s style master. It was record winner Hunt, though, who nailed his final dive to stay unbeaten with his dive list for a fifth time. Gary Hunt (GBR): “I knew it was going to be a tough competition. Constantin pushed me right until the edge and that’s been like that for a couple of competitions now. I know it’s not going to be easy, but that’s one. I want to be diving against the best people in the world and here is where I can do that. I don’t want to be just on my own. It’s much more fun when it’s a fight. A wonderful location. When you think of cliff diving you think of a place like this. We found some really great places and what better way than come away with a win.”

Results:
1- Gary Hunt GBR – 427.25pts.
2- Constantin Popovici ROU – 409.40
3- Jonathan Paredes MEX – 408.05
4- Kris Kolanus POL – 380.10
5- Steven LoBue USA – 365.60