Olympic bronze medallist Tom Daley signalled a job well done as he took gold in the 10m Platform at the 2014 National Cup in Southend but insists there is plenty more work to do before hitting top form.
Having qualified first from the preliminaries, the 19-year-old stepped it up again the final recording an overall score of 471.45, 65.7 points ahead of British silver medallist James Denny in second and European junior silver medallist Matty Lee in third.
Daley, who has recently relocated to train at the London Aquatics Centre alongside new coach Jane Figueiredo, saved his best diver for last, receiving 9.5s for his reverse 3 ½ somersaults with tuck to score 96.9.
But while pleased to take his first title of 2014, the two-time Olympian knows there is still room for improvement, particularly with his back 2 ½ somersaults 2 ½ twists piked dive which dropped him 43.2 points.
“It’s not a bad start to the season,” said Daley. “I’ve been working on so many new things – a new programme, new strength and conditioning workout and everything is in the early phases at the moment.
“I’m breaking down my dives and working towards the bigger picture which is Commonwealth Games so I’ll carry on with that in training now.
“The twister is my demon dive at the moment and it’s the one I need the most work on. If it doesn’t start to feel more comfortable, maybe I’ll think about trying a different dive.”
Earlier in the pool, four-time British champion Rebecca Gallantree scored more than 60 on four of her five dives to take gold in the 3m Springboard final with a score of 317.10.
The 29-year-old secured 3m Synchro bronze at last year’s European Championships alongside Alicia Bragg and after tasting success on day 3 in Southend, she indicated the individual event would be something she would look to pursue further.
“I’m happy with that final performance because I haven’t had the best preparation with injuries over the past couple of months,” said Gallantree.
“I’m really pleased with that score as well although while I have been able to train, I have been diving quite well.
“My priority this season is synchro. I would like to be out there competing individually as well but that will be down to trials later in the season and the manager’s decision.”
British 10m Platform bronze medallist Geogia Ward took silver with 15-year-old European junior silver medallist Lydia Rosenthall claiming the bronze.