Daley's father Rob, who is back home having chemotherapy, would have had tears in his eyes as he watched his son claim a narrow victory over Olympic champion Matthew Mitcham from the 10 metre platform.

Daley junior, the 16-year-old world champion who won 10m synchro gold with Max Brick on Tuesday (October 12), overcame the worrying tricep injury he sustained in August to win gold with 538.35 points.

He beat 22-year-old Mitcham by a margin of just 29.20 and even scored a perfect 10 on his magnificent third dive of the competition.

Malaysia's Bryan Nickson Lomas won bronze with Brick finishing eighth.

Daley admitted he was delighted to see off Mitcham who is likely to be one of his biggest rivals on the 10m platform at the London 2012 Olympics.

Daley said: "I know Matt Mitcham has been on top form as he was the World Cup champion this year, so to come away with the gold and get ahead of him makes me so happy.

"This year I have had to deal with growing, with injuries, and with learning new dives.

"Coming out of all that to win two Commonwealth gold medals - it couldn't have gone any better.

"It gives me so much confidence going into the off-season, ready to prepare four new dives for next year."

Unlike Mitcham, Daley took on his hardest dives first and the tactic paid off as he led from the fourth round onwards following his perfect third dive.



A gracious Mitcham (pictured left with Daley), who also picked up silver behind Daley in the 10m synchro event in India, hailed his rival.

"Tom is such a phenomenal talent," he said.

"I do feel sorry for the little tucker, with all the pressure he's going to have coming into the London Olympics in 2012.

"I'm going to have the benefit and the privilege of being the underdog, because that's where I like to sit.

"I wish him all the best over the next two years.

"I think it's going to be a battle royale."

Dedicating his victory to his dad, Daley said: "All I can say is that one is for you.

"I knew you would be watching on TV and I had to do it for you."

Earlier in the day, Australia's Sharleen Stratton scored 376 points on her way to gold in the women's 3m springboard final.

Stratton, who turned 23 last week, beat Canada's Jennifer Abel to the title, with fellow Australian Jaele Patrick taking bronze.

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