Lin Shan earned China a fifth gold today at the FINA World Junior Diving Championships in Kyiv ©FINA

China strengthened its position at the top of the medal table at the World Junior Diving Championships in Kyiv as a fifth gold was added to its collection thanks to Lin Shan in the girls A-class 3 metre springboard.

Lin broke the 500 points mark in this International Swimming Federation (FINA) event at the Liko Sports Centre.

She finished with 503.15 points, with compatriot Tong Ma, gold medallist in the previous day’s 1m springboard event, taking silver, 15.85 adrift.

A surprise bronze was claimed by Australia’s Alisha Koloi, who took advantage of a late lapse by Russia’s Uliana Klyueva to edge ahead, by 432.30 points to 430.35.

But the bigger picture in terms of prizes was to place in the top nine and thus earn national places for the Youth Olympic Games due to take place in Buenos Aires from October 6 until 18.

In order, the five other leading finalists were Britain’s Maria Papworth, Bridget O’Neil of the United States, Aranza Vazquez Montano of Mexico, Anna Shyrykhay of Germany and Chaira Pellacani of Italy.

China's Long Daoyi took the medal gold in the boys B-class 1m springboard ©FINA
China's Long Daoyi took the medal gold in the boys B-class 1m springboard ©FINA

"I am champion, and I am very happy for my silver-winning teammate Ma Tong," said Lin.

"It was actually my plan to be the first, and I have done it.

"I know, that finishing in the top nine means earning a berth for the nation to the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina.

"Although the berth is not personal, I am very much hoping I will be the one to go there."

China’s other gold medal on the day was contributed by Long Daoyi in the boys B-Class 1m springboard event.

Long scored 466.80 points, with Tyler Downs of the US earning the silver medal with 452.35, and Osmar Olvera Ibarra of Mexico taking bronze with  413.90.