Swimming: Daley cruises but organisers in hot water

Tom Daley made it through to the semi-finals of the 10m platform in eighth as he began the defence of his title here at the World Championships.

While Daley's progression was never in doubt, his Great Britain team-mate Pete Waterfield left it until the very last dive to cement his place yesterday, moving from 21st to 17th of the 18 qualifiers.

Waterfield, who is Daley's synchro partner, underwent painkilling injections in his wrists, and with his first effort being a handstand it meant he did not have enough power to push off and complete the dive.

Daley produced a consistent set of dives which saw him in the top six until his final effort, when he over-rotated on his reverse three-and-a-half- somersault, which was reflected in his marks, which ranged from 4.5 to 6.

Unsafe water temperatures created chaos in the 25km open water races, forcing more than a dozen swimmers to quit.Several competitors accused the organisers of acting irresponsibly by allowing the races to be held. The defending men's champion, Valerio Cleri of Italy, withdrew after four hours, saying it was "too hot and too dangerous" to continue. "There's not enough attention on the athletes," he added. "There should not have been a race here. The jury was irresponsible."

His team-mate, Edoardo Stochino, was pulled from the water about 50 minutes later and taken away on a stretcher as cold water was poured over his chest. He was checked out and returned a short time later.

Thomas Lurz of Germany and Alex Meyer of the United States were among those who decided not to start the race.

Meanwhile, Michael Phelps said he "feels like my old self" and is "excited" to compete at the World Championships after a frustrating year marked by losses and a lack of motivation and fitness.