Houlden blown away after claiming first global gold of his career

Jordan Houlden claimed the first world gold of his career after a sensational display in the Men’s 3m Springboard at the second leg of the World Aquatics Diving World Cup.

The Sheffield diver took the nation’s first diving World Cup of the year after being in contention for the lead from the very first dive.

Britain’s Olympic finalist was in the top three throughout but after nailing his final round Forward 4 1/2 Somersault Tuck, Houlden ended on a huge 470.85 points, more than 30 clear of the USA’s Carson Tyler and China’s Zheng Jiuyan.

And reflecting on his history making effort, Houlden admitted that his final dive was the one that made the difference.

He told World Aquatics: “I did not expect this.

“I thought I’d place around like fourth to eighth, nothing too extravagant. When the two Chinese messed up a little bit, it definitely pushed me. It also gave me some shakes as well.”

“It was probably the best front 4½ I’ve ever done!

“To do it under those circumstances is quite hard, and I gone and done it! I’m blown away by myself.”

The gold leaves Houlden second overall heading into May’s Super Final in China, while compatriot and four-time Olympic medallist Jack Laugher will also be there in an overall fifth after a solid sixth place in Canada.

Back-to-back bronzes for Andrea

Elsewhere, Great Britain secured two further bronze medals through Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix and the fresh partnership of Lois Toulson and Maisie Bond.

Spendolini-Sirieix made it back-to-back bronzes in the opening two legs with another consistent set of dives in North America.

She moved in to third after round three and held that spot until the end, partly in thanks to a stunning Reverse 2 1/2 Somersault Tuck that scored eights and 8.5s from the judges.

A total of 348.20 saw her take the bronze to book her spot in the upcoming Super Final with 17-year-old Bond in an impressive fourth in her first World Cup Series.

Bond may have missed out on a medal in the individual but in the synchronised event she teamed with Toulson for bronze.

It was a tight race for the podium positions with the Sheffield based duo finishing less than a single point ahead of Americans Lanie Gutch and Anna Lemkin with home divers Katelyn Fung and Kate Miller only 1.44 off the British pair.

Speaking on the new partnership, Toulson said: “We’re just trying it out for the moment. Last week in Guadalajara was our first international competition; this is only our second. We get on really well, which helps a lot.”

“It was a good opportunity for me and Maisie to try a list together. We train at the same facility now, in Sheffield, England, with the same coach.”

There were some more impressive performances from British divers in the synchro events with Jack Laugher and Anthony Harding backing up their bronze from last week with a solid sixth.

They were only 17.10 points off the lead in the end as they put in another strong set of dives to secure their Super Final place next month.

Meanwhile in the Women’s 3m Synchronised Springboard, Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen were denied a podium place by less than a point.

The Olympic medallists were in touching distance of the top two throughout and are looking in good form on their return to the world stage.

The Super Final will take place in Beijing from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 May and you can check out the full results and leaderboard here.

Images: World Aquatics