China's teenage diver Chen Ruolin gave a near flawless performance in the women's 10m platform at yesterday's FINA Diving World Cup in Beijing, winning the most important title so far of her young career.

Chen Ruolin of China competes in the women's 10m platform final during the 16th FINA Diving World Cup tournament held at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, Feb.20, 2008. Chen won the title with 449.35 points. [Xinhua]

Chen scored a total of 449.35 points, including several perfect 10s on her second and last dives, beating teammate Wang Xin and third-placed Mexican Espinosa Paola by a wide margin.

"I did a very good job today," Chen said. "It is one of the best performances I've had so far in my career and it's very helpful to give myself more confidence."

Paola, 21, currently world No 5 in the event, took the bronze at 396.35.

"I am happy with the result," said Paula. "I have two Chinese coaches, who gave me lots of support and helped me improve my techniques."

Chen, known as "Little Gao Min" due to her similar appearance to the nation's former diving queen, began her rise in 2003 after clinching three golds at a national women's diving competition, but she was still short of a major international title before yesterday's World Cup win.

"This is the first major title of my career. I am so happy, especially to win it on home soil," said Chen.

Together with fellow teenager Wang Xin, Chen is expected to lead China back to the top of women's platform diving.

Many people favor Chen as the China's women's diving leader, though she has lived in the shadow of Wang for some time, losing both the world championship title and the Asian Games title to her teammate.

But Chen said she and Wang - who together compose China's top duo in women's synchronized platform - are on the same level.

"This time she did not perform very well. I think we are at the same level. It depends on who is in better form in a single tournament," Chen said.

The 15-year-old Chen is at a critical stage in her physical development. In order to keep her weight well under control she had to quit eating dinners over the past year.

"I have to keep the weight and shape or else I cannot complete good-quality dives," she said. "Sometimes I was so hungry and I only had water to drink. I tell myself to hold on until after the Beijing Games."

Chen and Wang were champions of the women's synchronized platform at last year's World Championships in Melbourne. But Chen has established herself as a highly fancied gold-medal hopeful this summer in both singles and synchronized events.

Bidding to end China's eight-year title drought in women's 10m platform, Chen spends most of her time training.

"She is working really hard. She was the latest one to finish the daily training. It's not easy for her at such an age," said team manager Zhou Jihong.

Chen said she is hoping to win a gold in Beijing and reward herself with a delicious dinner.

"I cannot wait to compete in the Beijing Games. This competition in the National Aquatics Center is very good experience. I will invite my parents and friends to have dinner together and I will take the treat," smiled a red-faced Chen.

Canadian veteran Emilie Heymans, world No 3, winner of the event in the 2003 world championships, placed fourth at 384.50.

Australian Loudy Wiggins, bronze medalist in the Athens Olympics, took fifth place, while the promising Australian star Wu Melissa, 15, currently world No 4, settled for the 11th. Laura Wilkinson, America's two-time Olympian and winner of the event in the Sydney Olympic Games, finished last.