Wu Minxia (below) and He Zi on their way to winning Olympic gold for the synchronized 3m springboard on Sunday. Wu and He led throughout the five-dive round and amassed 346.20 points. [Photo/China Daily]

LONDON -- They went into the women's 3m synchronized springboard competition as overwhelming favorites and they didn't disappoint: Wun Minxia and He Zi opened the diving competition in the Aquatics center with a stunning performance that hints that the Chinese diving team might be able to complete the clean sweep of gold medals many predict for them.

Wu and He's display decides the first of eight medal events in diving. China won seven out of eight in Beijing four years ago and this time they are aiming go one better.

While a thunderstorm raged outside, the reigning world champions showed their total dominance of the event with a display of grace, talent and concentration.

They scored 345.20 points as they left the United States duo of Abigail Johnson and Kelci Bryant trailing by over 23 points and the Canadians, Jennifer Abel and Emile Heymans a further five behind.

The Americans ended with 321.80 points and the Canadians 316,80, while Italy and Australia, who had been expected to challenge for medals, were slightly disappointing.

The Chinese duo took the lead in the first round and never looked like being caught with a virtually flawless display. Indeed you could probably hear the splash of raindrops on the roof better than when they entered the water.

The win means that Wu has now won gold three times in the 3m synchronized springboard title following her triumphs in Athens and Beijing, while Heymans makes history by becoming the first woman to step onto the podium in four separate Olympics.