PHOENIX, Arizona, December 20. OUS Mellouli showed that he doesn't need to swim his best events or even his best times to win at the Arab Games. Earlier today, Mellouli won the 400 free in 3:54.16, not a spectacular time, but keep in mind that Mellouli had complained of back pain a few weeks ago and considered not swimming at this meet. He also won gold in the 50 fly and 100 back today, as well as the 50 free, 200 back and 800 free relay, so Mellouli's decision to swim has sure helped his country's medal count.
Fans were treated to a nailbiter in the three-meter springboard final yesterday at the USA Diving's Winter Nationals. Christopher Colwill beat Kristian Ipsen by just two tenths of a point, while Drew Livingston finished third. Troy Dumais, who has won so many national titles in this event it's hard to keep count, placed fourth. Colwill and Ipsen will represent the USA at the World Cup in London in February. In Monday's other final, Amy Cozad and Laura Ryan, both of whom dive at Indiana University, won the synchro platform title. Haley Ishimatsu, winner of the solo platform on Sunday, took second with Mary-Beth Dunnichay.
After the second round of the FINA Water Polo World League, both Italy and Romania have won all of their matches, while Croatia had a bye in the second round and will play in the first game of the new year, against Macedonia on January 5. All three countries are favored in their respective groups heading into the third round.
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