TOM DALEY eased to victory in the men’s platform event at the British National Cup in Southend.

The 2012 Olympic bronze medallist and former world champion was head and shoulders above the rest of Britain’s divers in Sunday’s final.

Daley scored an impressive 545.80 points from his six dives. Although the Plymothian was down the field after a poor opening dive of just 68.80 points, he then produced five almost floorless efforts all over 90-plus points. Daley did save his best to last, scoring 102.60 on his final dive.

Leeds’ Matty Lee was second with 461.00 points, with Plymouth Diving’s Dan Goodfellow third on 419.35 and his team-mate Matthew Dixon just behind in fourth with 412.25.

Goodfellow, making his return after nearly two seasons on the sidelines with injury, managed to claim the bronze medal despite dropping his second and fourth dives. However, he scored over 80 points for his first, third and sixth efforts.

Dixon was one of the most consistent divers in the event, with his lowest dive being 65.10.

Fellow Plymouth Diving youngster Aidan Hislop also reached the platform final. He finished seventh with 259.25 points.

Earlier in the day, Plymouth’s Rhea Gayle finished sixth in the women’s three-metre event, having won bronze in the one-metre competition.