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John Bryan Ulanday - The Philippine Star
April 12, 2025 | 12:00am
EL NIDO, Palawan, Philippines — Constantin Popovici of Romania ushered in his throne redemption with a splash, topping the first round of the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Philippine leg yesterday here.
Runner-up last year, Popovici delivered a near flawless dive at the Lagen Island for 94.50 points to gain the driver’s seat in the 12-man cast entering the final two rounds at the renowned Small and Big Lagoons this weekend.
The 36-year-old European champ scored a degree of difficulty of 3.5, tied for second in all competitors, owing to multiple twists and somersaults but got the better of everyone in his high take off from El Nido’s famed limestone cliffs at 27 meters and smooth plunge into the crystal clear waters.
Popovici, the 2023 champion, earned the highest single score of 9.5 along with four 9.0s from the five international judges.
In the women’s division featuring 21 meters, neophyte Kaylea Arnett of the United States stole the thunder from eight-time champion Rhiannan Iffland (88.40) of Australia with 90.10 points.
