Last year Chong beat Russian Illya Zakharov at the World Championships in Shanghai, but it was a much closer fought affair here in London.

Chong got off to a superb start with his first dive, as did Zakharov as they led the field.

Kai made an inauspicious start himself but after the third round Chong led right the way until the end.

Home favourite Jack Laugher (pictured below) came eighth overall, with his fourth dive sending the Aquatics Centre wild as he threatened briefly to take a medal.

Kai, who won gold in the 3m synchro competition on Monday (February 20), pulled off two of the best dives of the night as he battled his way back into contention, but ultimately fell short with an overall score of 524.


Following a solid final dive, Chong punched the air in delight, before being confirmed as the winner, 29.35 points ahead of Kai.

Alexandre Despatie of Canada came third with 511.95.

Chong was delighted and afterwards said: "I am very proud.

"This medal gives me more confidence for the Olympic Games.

"There will be a lot of competitions in these few months before the Olympics.

"Each of them can give me more confidence."

Kai was naturally disappointed with defeat and said: "I am not satisfied...the third dive did not go as planned.

"I will try hard to improve my technique."


In the women's synchronised 10m platform, China led from the start and clinched victory again, this time through favourites Ruolin Chen and Hao Wang (both pictured above), who were comfortable winners with a score of 359.58.

Canada's Meaghan Benfeito and Roseline Filion took second place with a superb performance and a score of 331.65.

Third position went to British pair Sarah Barrow and Tonia Couch, whose brilliant final dive gained the biggest cheer of the day and an overall score of 314.40, guaranteeing them bronze ahead of Australia and Germany plus a significant pre-Olympic boost.

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