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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Popovici stays ahead; Iffland recovers in cliff diving world meet in El Nido

Popovici stays ahead; Iffland recovers in cliff diving world meet in El Nido

Published Apr 13, 2025 05:38 am

At A Glance

  • Constantin Popovici was all business while Rhiannan Iffland came back roaring on the second day of the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Saturday, April 12.

EL NIDO – Constantin Popovici was all business while Rhiannan Iffland came back roaring on the second day of the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Saturday, April 12.

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Romania's Constantin Popovici (Red Bull Content Pool)

Popovici of Romania convinced the judges anew off his 3.4 DD Intermediate dive — a Forward 3 Somersault and ½ Twist in Pike — to score 94.50 points for a total of 171.50 and remain the leader in the men's division of the competition that relocated to the majestic Small Lagoon on Miniloc Island.

“It was a good start. I’ve been working hard on my barani [entry maneuver] technique, and I hope to keep it up,” Popovici said.

“When I was here last, six years ago, I was so focused on training and competition. I don’t know when I’ll get the chance to come back again and dive from the cliffs, so this time I took my time to enjoy it,” he added.

Mexican Jonathan Paredes climbed up to second with 164.85 points while Ukrainian Oleksiy (164.10), French legend Gary Hunt (157.40), and American James Lichtenstein (149.45) complete the Top Five.

Though having a decent lead, Popovici must still bring his A-game on the same island’s Big Lagoon as larger crowds are expected to ignite the area in the final round.

Meanwhile, eight-peat seeking Iffland stamped her class and regained the women’s side lead despite Canada’s Molly Carlson scare after stumbling in the first stage.

Iffland flexed her veteran poise and performed a Required Reverse Flying 1 Somersault dive to secure 57.2 points and enough to pace herself above in the distaff side.

Canadians Molly Carlson (131.8) and Simone Leathead (119.9) listed 68.9 points but it wasn't enough to propel them ahead of the Australian champion.

Lurking behind Iffland were Ukraine’s Nelli Chukanivska (137.55), Carlson, USA’s Kaylea Arnett (130.40), who held an early lead on the opener, and Leathead.

On the other hand, Filipino-Australian Xantheia Pennissi stayed at seventh spot with 112 total points after tallying 55.9 and 56,1 in the first and second rounds, respectively.

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