Jack Laugher was quick to credit the home support at the London Aquatics Centre after becoming the first British man to break the 500 points mark in the 3m men’s springboard – although he just missed out on a Diving World Series medal finishing in fourth.
Hopes were high for the 19-year-old heading into Saturday night’s final after he qualified as the fourth-best diver in the semi-finals.
And he led after the first two dives but a poor inward 3.5 somersault with tuck dropped him back to sixth at the halfway stage.
But with three strong final dives Laugher – who missed out on the 3m springboard semi-final at London 2012 – pulled himself briefly back up to third before Russia’s Olympic medallists Ilya Zahharov and Evgeny Kuznetsov denied him.
Gold went to China’s Chong He on 559 points although Laugher believes there were enough signs in London to show he can get even closer.
“This pool is absolutely incredible and the home crowd as well, they seem to really get behind you,” he said.
“In Dubai I did have some really good dives but also some silly mistakes as well.
“But coming here, it just all seemed to click really. It worked out really well.
“It’s a brilliant feeling to actually be up there with those guys. I’ve always wanted to be up there but to be there in the mix is a really nice feeling and really makes me feel good about my career and what I can give.”
Saturday's evening session also saw the final of the women’s 3m springboard although there was no British representation with Hannah Starling and Rebecca Gallantree just missing out on qualification from the semi-finals.
Gold instead went again to China with He Zi claiming top spot ahead of teammate Han Wang and Canada’s Pamela Ware.
However there are strong British medal hopes on the final day with London 2012 bronze medallist Tom Daley going in the 10m platform while Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow will contest the women’s event.
© Sportsbeat 2014