Diving: China's Wu Minxia claims perfect 10 to win three-metre springboard

Wu Minxia was kept in the dark over family tragedies so she wouldn't 'lose focus' (Getty Images)

China's Wu Minxia confirmed her status as one of the best women's divers in history by easily winning the three-metre springboard at the Aquatics Centre this evening.

The world champion crushed her rivals, and claimed the first individual mark of 10 at these Olympics, to claim a record-equalling sixth Olympic medal in the diving pool.

The 26-year-old began the Games by winning an unprecedented hat-trick of synchro springboard titles before tonight levelling the medal record of her former partner Guo Jingjing.

She did so emphatically with a score of 414.00 to be 34.8 points clear of compatriot He Zi, who she won gold alongside in the synchro last week.

Wu's victory also meant that China remained on course for a clean sweep of the eight gold medals on offer in the diving pool having now won all five events so far.

Laura Sanchez claimed the bronze for Mexico after she edged out veteran Tania Cagnotto by just 0.2 points.

Five-time world championship medal winner Cagnotto's fourth placing meant she is still yet to stand on an Olympic podium despite competing in four Games.

Afterwards Wu indicated she was set to call time on her decorated career.

"I think this was the perfect ending for me," she said.

"I'm very happy to have this ending. I was very emotional because I wanted to thank my coach.

"I have attended three Olympics and in the first I didn't do well.

"From 2004 to 2008 was very difficult time for me. After this time my body's condition and my psychology got better.

"I can handle more pressure than before."

PA