Chen was overwhelming favourite for victory in the event, the 18th FINA Diving World Cup, having won two gold medals at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in the individual 10m and synchro 10m platform before repeating the feat of two victories at the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai.

It was therefore no surprise when she secured 405.25 points for victory in the only medal event of the day ahead of compatriot Hu Yadan, who claimed silver with 397.10 points, and Russia's Yulia Koltunova who took bronze with 350.25 points.

Britain's top finisher was Monique Gladding, a highly respectable tenth in the world class field.

"It was quite an experience being in my first World Cup final," Gladding said.

"I was super pumped which was frustrating as I dropped two of my best dives.

"I am really happy though.

"If someone had said to me a year ago that I would have finished tenth in the final I would have taken it.

"There are lots of positives to take from it.

"I wanted to finish on a good note and I did that with one of my most consistent dives."

There was also a boost for Britain in the men's individual 3m springboard preliminary event as Jack Laugher and Chris Mears both reached the semi-final of the event which will take place later this week.


But there was an added boost because even though Laugher had already secured an Olympic quota place for Britain at the Olympics, Mears (pictured) qualified for London 2012 with his performance today.

To reach the semi-final Laugher secured fifth place while Mears finished in 14th.

"It was absolutely incredible," said Laugher.

"The crowd were so loud – I've never heard anything like it.

"It was completely packed out as far as I could see so I was absolutely buzzing for my first dive and everything seemed to go pretty well from there."

Mears put in his best dive in the final round to finish 14th with the top 18 progressing.

"To be honest I can't remember much of it already," said Mears.

"I was nervous but I think I used the crowd to my advantage.

"I wanted to get in there with a steady list and then I nailed my last dive which was great.

"We've got that second Olympic quota place now so I don't need to worry about that and from that perspective it couldn't have gone any better."

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