Executing an inward one-and-a-half somersaults pike in his second dive of the final, Belov took the lead and never looked back on his way to posting a winning total of 412.50 points.

Colombia’s Luis Felipe Uribe Bermudez finished runner-up with 404.10 points, while Belov’s compatriot Nikita Grigorovich rounded out the podium with 398.55.

"I did not expect that win at all, as I had been just fifth after the prelims," Belov said.

"My opponents were very, very strong, but in the final they evidently did not cope with the pressure and gave me the chance.

"I did not hesitate to take it and make good use.

"This was my first medal at the junior worlds as it was actually a debut.

"The next edition for me will be in the group A, which will not be an easy thing, I am sure."

The one other event of the day, the girls' A three metres springboard, was won by China’s Huilling Chen with a score of 445.00 points.

Chen earned 69.00 points for a back two-and-a-half somersaults pike on her second attempt of the final and never dipped below 60 thereafter in a consistent display.

Her performance secured China their second gold of the Championships and sixth medal overall.

"I am very agitated," said Chen.

"Even now as we speak, I could not stop being agitated as it is a special honour and pride to be on the top of the podium and listen to the anthem of your country."

Great Britain’s Katherine Torrance, the 2015 European Games champion, was on her way to a third gold in Kazan and could have succeeded had she avoided a low score in her second dive of the final.

She still managed bronze with 433.65 points, 8.1 behind silver medallist Maria Hernandez of Mexico.

Action is due to continue tomorrow when the finals in the boys' A one metre springboard, boys' B platform and girls' A and B three metres synchronised springboard are scheduled to take place.