On-form Daley can ‘scare’ Chinese

BRITISH DIVING performance director Alexei Evangulov believes Tom Daley can break China’s dominance at this summer’s Olympic Games.

Only three months ago Evangulov publicly questioned Daley’s Olympic credentials, claiming he was the fifth-best 10 metre platform diver in the world.

In the months since, the Russian has been forced to completely change his assessment after Daley hit career-best form.

After being crowned World Series champion for the first time last month, Daley, who turned 18 yesterday, reclaimed his European title in Eindhoven on Sunday night.

The Plymouth diver blitzed his opponents, who included former world champion Gleb Galperin, with a personal-best 565.05.

As well as sending a warning to his Chinese rivals it left Evangulov in no doubt that Daley can stand on the podium in the Olympic Aquatics Centre this summer.

“That result will scare the Chinese it will get them worried,” he said.

“Thomas is diving very well at the moment. With no obstacles in his way he is doing very well.

“In a way he is equal with the Chinese at the moment. Two years ago, or even last year, I would not say this.

“You remember what I said in the press he was fifth in the world.

“Now I can say he is top three.”

Daley’s success in Holland, as he reclaimed the crown he first won as a 13-year-old, was his second personal best in as many meets to underline his progress this year.

“Thomas is not even at his best now. I expect that in July he will be better, we are training him so that will happen,” added Evangulov.

PA Tom Daley with gold.