China’s Cao Yuan (front) and Wang Zongyuan compete in the men’s 3-meter springboard synchronized final at the 19th FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary on Sunday. The duo emerged champions in the event. Photo: VCG

The duo won the competition with a total of 459.18 points, earning China its first diving gold at the 19th FINA World Championships. Photo: Maddie Meyer/VCG

Wang (left) and Cao perform a dive during the final. Photo: Petr David Josek/VCG

The pair complete a near perfect dive. Photo: Petr David Josek/VCG

Wang (left) and Cao started training together in December 2021. Photo: IC Photo

Cao (left) and Wang celebrate after winning the competition. Photo: Attila Kisbenedek/VCG

Wang and Cao pose for photos with silver medalists Jack Laugher (left) and Anthony Harding of Britain, and bronze winners Timo Barthel (right) and Lars Rudiger of Germany during the medal ceremony. Photo: Tamas Kovacs/VCG