Peter Waterfield wins World Cup diving bronze in London

Former Olympic silver medallist Peter Waterfield announced his return to form with a stunning bronze medal in the men's 10m platform final at the Diving World Cup.

Waterfield, who finished seventh with Tom Daley in the 10m synchronised event on Thursday, praised the home support for helping him claim a podium finish.

"It is absolutely amazing," 2004 medalist Waterfield told BBC Sport.

"I've had to dig deep here and the crowd got me on the rostrum."

It was in contrast to his views earlier in the competition after admitting that, in addition to poor preparations, anxiety had hindered his performance.

"In our synchro [with Tom Daley] I was just a little bit nervous - you go in and want to do the best for the crowd because they have paid money to come and see you," he said.

Waterfield's success is Great Britain's second medal of the Diving World Cup at London's Aquatics Centre after Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow claimed bronze on day three.

The 10m platform gold went to Chinese star Qiu Bo.

The reigning world champion achieved an impressive total of 574.90, with Russia's Victor Minibaev more than 50 points behind with 523.60.

Southampton-based Waterfield scored 510.35, which was an incredible achievement after an injury-hit nine months.

Waterfield finished outside the medal positions at last year's World Championship finals and only qualified for the final in London in ninth position.

"It means loads, it's my highest world finish and I'm 30 now," said Waterfield.

"You're supposed to be struggling a bit more when you get older but I seem to be peaking again - last year I got a personal best and I've just come third in the world so it's amazing."

Waterfield will now rest for a few days before beginning his preparations for World Series events in Dubai, China, Moscow, Mexico over the next couple of months.

The GB diving trials, which will decide which athletes are selected for Team GB at London 2012, will take place in Sheffield in June.

In the evening's other event, GB's Alicia Blagg and Rebecca Gallantree finished 11th in the women's 3m synchronised final.