Tom Daley set the Tokyo 2020 standard on his way to World Cup gold off the same tower he hopes to dive from at the Olympics.
Daley bested the global field by a margin of 27 points just three months before he is expected to line up for a fourth Games.
It was the 34th gold medal of the 26-year-old’s career and a tour de force in the Tokyo Aquatics Centre cemented his status as the sport's ageless, enduring performer.
"I'm really happy with how everything went today, there's still a few little things I'd like to work on but really happy to get back into competition, dust off the cobwebs and dive in the Olympic pool,” said Daley.
"The pool is great, the facilities are awesome and Japan have done an amazing job at following COVID protocols to make the event happen in the first place.
“It's slightly different to what we're used to when we are away but I'm extremely grateful to have the chance to compete and I'm very much excited about heading to the European Championships next week before hopefully returning here in July."
The two-time Olympic medallist led preliminary and semi-final rounds from the front with scores upwards of 500.
Daley kept hold of the lead despite a lower score on his toughest dive, the forward 4.5 somersaults tuck, with Mexico’s Willars Valdez his closest pursuer.
But Daley delivered the dive of the meet with the back 3.5 somersaults pike, scoring 104.40 including three tens, to claim victory with an overall tally of 541.70.
Meanwhile, Daley’s British team-mates ensured Team GB will have a full complement of Tokyo quota places with assured springboard and platform performances.
Scarlett Mew Jensen finished seventh on the 3m board, the teenager’s best-ever performance in international competition.
"I really only came to Tokyo for one job which was to qualify,” she said.
“To end my World Cup experience being a finalist has exceeded my expectations and given me huge confidence going forwards."
Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix secured Team GB of the final possible place by reaching the semi-finals of the women’s 10m platform.
Sportsbeat 2021