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Live Commentary: Olympic diving - day 11 as it happened

Sports Mole brings you live text commentary from the men's 3m springboard.

Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of day 11 of the Olympic diving.

London's stunning Aquatics Centre plays host to the final of the men's 3m springboard today, and Team GB's Chris Mears is in action.

The 19-year-old stored through the semi-final with an impressive score of 461.00, but will have to raise his game to reach the podium tonight.

Chinese favourite He Chong took the top spot in the last 18, but Russian hopeful Ilya Zakharov beat his compatriot Qin Kai to second place.


8.30pmThat's all from us tonight. You can read a report of today's action here.

8.15pmChina's He sneaks in among the medals and takes bronze with a final dive worth 97.50. He pushes Hausding into fourth place and slots in behind silver medal winner Qin!

8.14pmYES! An amazing dive from him, earning 104.50! That's the gold!

8.13pmZakharov nails his forward 4 1/2 somersault with tuck. And that's got to be the gold for Russia!

8.12pmQin's final dive is technically flawless aside from some excess splash. He earns 89.10 and that puts him into first!

8.11pmHuerta needed a big finish, but his reverse 2 1/2 somersault 2 1/2 twist is marked down on execution and he's out of the running with a 64.75! Heartbreak for him!

8.10pmDumais finishes on a cracker too, earning 88.40 and moving into second behind Hausding for the time being!

8.08pmHausding finishes on a reverse 2 1/2 somersault 3 twists. He was too far back on the board at a launch, but somehow executed that perfectly. He takes 94.34. The big finish he wanted.

8.07pmDespatie's knees buckle on his final dive, and he's lucky he didn't pick on an injury on that one. He flops out with a 22.10.

8.05pmMears ends with his best dive, as he did in the semi-finals! His forward 4 1/2 somersault is expertly-crafted for a 100.07 from the judges! Well done Chris! He may not be among the medals this evening, but he has done Britain proud!

8.02pmWarren bows out with a forward 2 1/2 somersault 2 twists. He's had a great evening, but won't be amongst the medals despite a decent score of 81.60 for that one. It just shows how steep the competition is here.

8.01pmGoing into the final round, Qin leads, Zakharova is in second and Huerta is in third. There is everything to play for in round six!

8.00pmHe does well on his forward 4 1/2 somersault but 98.80 only puts him in fourth at the end of round five.

7.58pmQin takes full advantage, earning 96.90 for his fifth dive to go clear at the top, but Zakharov pulls off a magnificent forward 2 1/2 somersault 3 twists for a score of 99.45! He's in second behind Qin!

7.57pmHuerta performs his weakest dive of the evening, earning 72.00 for his back 2 1/2 somersault. Can the chasing pack capitalise?

7.56pmDumais can only battle into second after pulling in 84.00 for the same move.

7.55pmHausding does will on his reverse 3 1/2 somersault and his reward is a score of 94.50. He may not be dead and buried just yet.

7.53pmDespatie is out of contention for the medals now. He fought hard but 74.10 on his penultimate dive will not cut it.

7.51pmAn Inward 3 1/2 somersault for Mears on his penultimate dive. He hits the water too hard, but his aerial work is good. The judges award him 56.10.

7.50pmWarren is battling hard, pulling in 89.25 for his reverse 3 1/2. He goes to the top of the pile for the time being, and if the competition wasn't so fierce, he'd be in contention for the top spots.

7.48pmHuerta holds onto his lead at the end of round four, Qin is in second, Zakharov in third. Mears is off the bottom in 11th.

7.47pmChina's He look uncharacteristically shaky in his inward 3 1/2 somersault, earning him an 85.00. He's slipping away from the medal positions.

7.46pmZakharova is in third after taking 86.70 for his forward 2 1/2 somersault 2 twists.

7.45pmQin responds with an inward 3 1/2 somersault. He takes a cool 91.80 and moves into second.

7.44pmHuerta is one fire, and has been a model of consistency. He earns 89.25 for his reverse 3 1/2 somersault and he takes the lead.

7.43pmDumais performs an inward 3 1/2 somersault. His execution and aerial work is good, but he was marked down marginally for splashing on entry, and nets 81.60 for that one.

7.41pmDespatie earns 83.30 for his fourth dive, keeping him in contention.

7.38pmMears fires his big gun, reeling off a forward 2 1/2 somersault 2 twists. He does everything right, but ends up with 78.20. Slightly harsh there.

7.37pmA great third dive from Warren, earning 86.70 for his inward 3 1/2. That keeps him in with an outside chance of glory.

7.36pmAfter round three, Huerta is in first, Zakharov in second, and Qin in third. Mears is in a mere 12th place.

7.34pmHe performs a great reverse 3 1/2 himself for a 89.25. He's in fifth at the halfway stage.

7.34pmZakharov's reverse 3 1/2 somersault is worth 89.25, and it's getting tight up there. He's in second behind Huerta.

7.33pmQin claws back ground on the Mexican earning 96.25 for a stunning third dive.

7.33pmHuerta aces his forward 4 1/2 somersault to earn 95.00 and go clear at the top after three dives.

7.32pmDumais moves back into first with a 76.50 for his back 2 1/2 somersault. The moves low degree of difficulty reflects the comparatively low score.

7.31pmHausding raises his game with a mazy 2 1/2 somersault 3 twists to earn 87.75. An excellent dive that puts him back amongst the chasing pack.

7.29pmA stunning dive from Despatie. The judges award him a harsh 81.00 for his reverse 2 1/2 somersault.

7.28pmMears with a reverse 2 1/2 somersault 1 1/2 twist. He's just playing for pride now, earning 74.25.

7.27pmWarren with a great third dive. He earns 91.20 for his forward 4 1/2 somersault. He looked out of it after two dives, but a few more like that and he could be in with a shot at bronze.

7.24pmAt the end of round two, Zakharov leads, Huerta is in second, and Dumais is in third.

7.23pmHe ups his game to compete but can only manage 81.60 for his forward 2 1/2 somersault 2 twists.

7.23pmZakharov uses one of his big dives, a back 3 1/2 somersault, and nails it for a 91.00. He takes first!

7.22pmQin closes in on the Mexican and the American with a forward 2 1/2 somersault 2 twist worth 86.70. He moves into third.

7.21pmHuerta outdoes him with his inward 3 1/2 somersault, bagging 85.00 points to snatch first place!

7.20pmDumais takes the lead after two dives, earning 85.15 for his second.

7.19pmHausding with a forward 3 1/2 somersault. It's good, but not quite podium quality. That will earn him 75.95, which would serve him well enough if this wasn't a final.

7.19pmHausding with a forward 3 1/2 somersault. It's good, but not quite podium quality. That will earn him 75.95, which would serve him well enough if this wasn't a final.

7.18pmKvasha performs a forward 4 1/2 somersault. It's a big dive and he faltered on the launch. The judges award him with a 68.40 one of his crucial moves.

7.16pmMears's reverse 2 1/2 somersault is mistimed. The judges pick up on it too and hit him with a 58.50. That will likely put him out of the running.

7.15pmGarcia shows great technique on his second dive, a forward 2 1/2 somersault 2 twists. He gets a solid 86.70.

7.13pmAt the end of round one Mexico's Huerta leads, with Zakharov in second and Dumais in third. Mears is in joint-eighth with three other divers.

7.12pmHe, the favourite going into this one, can't match the Eastern European. His aerial work is good but his posture wasn't straight on entry. He takes 72.00, which leaves him ninth.

7.11pmZakharov digs deep with a 85.00 for a magnificent first dive. He could take the gold with a few more like that!

7.11pmQin Kai's opener is a well-executed back 2 1/2 somersault netting him and 81.00 and third place at this early stage.

7.08pmDumais of the United States with a brilliant opening dive, 83.70 for him. Huerta of Mexico outdoes him with an 86.70! he's been on fire in this competition and has now taken the lead.

7.08pmHausding pulls off the best dive of round one. It's a back 2 1/2 somersault worth 76.50. Harsh marking by the powers that be there.

7.07pmUkrainian Kvasha performs an inward 2 1/2 somersault. It's a difficult dive, so it scores a high 78.20, giving him an early lead.

7.05pmCanada's Despatie is an outsider for medal glory. His was off on his entry into the water on dive number one, but the judges don't mark him down too much. He earns a 72.00.

7.04pmMears opens with a back 2 1/2 somersault. He looks strong and steady, though not spectacular. The judges award the Briton 72.00.

7.03pmGarcia of Spain performs a back 2 1/2 somersault. The bar has been raised high by the first three dives. A 70.50 for the Spaniard.

7.02pmWarren of Australia with a back 2 1/2 somersault. Another top dive, but his entry was a little overzealous. A 72.00 for him.

7.02pmWarren of Australia with a back 2 1/2 somersault. Another top dive, but his entry was a little overzealous. A 72.00 for him.

7.01pmYeoh kicks off proceedings with a forward 3 1/2 somersault. It's a great start from him. Excellent execution and entry into the water. He earns 79.05.

6.57pmThere will be 12 divers competing tonight, performing six dives each - forward, backwards, inward, reverse, twist and one of the competitor's choice.

6.56pmHere come the divers! We'll be under way in less than five minutes. Ken Nee Yeoh of Malaysia will dive first, Mears fourth.

6.51pm"Still can't believe I'm in the final tonight!"

6.50pmI don't think being in the final has quite sunk in for Mears yet. He Tweeted this earlier...

6.40pmThere's going to be a bitter scrap for the podium this evening, and there's a very real threat to the Chinese in the shape of Russia's Ilya Zakharov. The big Eastern European divided He Chong and Qin Kai during the semi-final and finished top of the pile in the preliminary round.

6.38pmMears's final dive was something to behold - a superb forward 4 1/2 somersault that dazzled the judges. You can read our report on the semi-final here.

6.33pmTeam GB's Chris Mears is in action tonight, and while he is something of an outsider for glory, he proved that he is more than capable of pulling off a surprise earlier today.

6.32pmWelcome back to SM's live coverage of the men's 3m springboard. The final is less than half an hour away.

11.45amThat's all from me this morning. Join us from 6.30pm this evening for all the action from the final.

11.44amChris Mears qualifies for the final of the men's 3m springboard in ninth place with a score of 461.00.

11.44amSo at the end of the semi-final, He tops the pile on 510.15, Zakharov comes in second on 505.60, followed by Qin on 500.35. But the good news for Team GB is this...

11.44amAn absolutely magnificent final dive from Zakharov! The judges pick up their jaws from the floor and award him 100.70! He finishes in second and separates the Chinese!

11.41amHe finishes on a forward 2 1/2 somersault 3 twists. The judges mark him down slightly because of his takeoff, but he still nets a decent 79.95 to take first place!

11.40amKvasha, Hausding and Dumais all seal places in the final with steady finishes.

11.40amHuerta with a great finishing dive. It's a reverse 2 1/2 somersault 1 1/2 twist worth 84.15, and that moves him into second and fires him through to the final.

11.38amDespatie, Warren, Despatie and Yeoh have all booked places in the final.

11.35amQin earns 84.15 for his final dive and takes the top spot at this stage in round six. Mears is in second at the moment, but there's a gulf of 40 or so points.

11.33amAnd that has just been made official. He's there!

11.30amMears's will finish the day on 461.00. An admirable score that should cut it!

11.26amMears had to nail his forward 4 1/2 somersault, and he did so in style! That was his best dive and it all but guarantees him a place in the final! 91.20 from the judges!

11.26amHe leads going into the final round, with compatriot Qin in second. Mears has a great chance to seal a place in the final. He's up to 11th!

11.25amHe nails his forward 4 1/2 somersault, despite a less than graceful launch. The judges didn't seem to mind too much, awarding him 91.20.

11.24amHausding performs his best dive of the day with a reverse 3 1/2 somersault worth 94.50. A stylish way to book your place in the final.

11.21amHuerta performs a safe back 2 1/2 somersault, earning 72.00 to move into second behind Qin.

11.19amColwill has a nightmare on his fifth dive. He flops into the water with all the grace of a dying swan. The judges penalise him with a 28.90.

11.18amThere are some heavy-hitters yet to dive in round five, but Mears sits in fourth at present. He's by no means out of this.

11.16amQin nails his forward 4 1/2 somersault this time. That was the dive he botched in the preliminaries, but today he bags a 91.20 and takes the top spot for the time being.

11.14amWarren has been consistent without being spectacular. He tops the pile for the time being and should coast through in one of the lower qualification spots.

11.09amMears gets the penultimate round under way with a inward 3 1/2 somersault. The crowd go wild as it's his best dive of the day! The judges hand down a 78.20. That puts pressure on the others chasing that 12th place.

11.08amAt the end of round four, Huerta is in first place ahead of He by four points. Mears in in 14th, seven points off a qualification spot.

11.08amHe with another seemingly effortless inward 3 1/2 somersault for a cool 91.80. He can't eclipse Huerta at the top, though!

11.06amGreat consistency from Hausding of Germany keeps him in the running. He's in fourth now and is looking good for the final.

11.05amHuerta of Mexico steals the lead with a reverse 3 1/2 somersault that the judges rate at 84.00!

11.04amKvasha is back on top, taking an 84.00 for his reverse 3 1/2 somersault.

11.03amA reverse 1 1/2 3 1/2 twists from Colwill of the US earns him 81.60. It was a stunning dive that moves him to third.

11.02amDespatie and Yeoh remain at the business end of the table, taking second and third after their fourth dive.

11.00amQin will almost certainly be in tonight's final, earning 86.70 for his fourth dive. He's top for the time being.

10.58amCastro of Brazil will also bow out. He hit the water almost back-first on his fourth five. The judges give him 35.00.

10.55amPrygorov of the Ukraine looks out of it. He was banana-shaped as he entered the water, earning him 42.00.

10.53amMears opts for a forward 2 1/2 somersault 2 twists for his fourth dive, and he does well. He earns 71.40, which is a little harsh.

10.52amZakhorov can't make top eight after dive number three, so Huerta of Mexico leads at the end of the round. He is in second, and Mears is down in 15th, but can still make the top 12 with some grit and determination.

10.51amHe with a reverse 3 1/2 somersault with tuck. His takeoff wasn't so smooth, but his execution and control was exceptional. The judges say 84.00 and that puts him in second.

10.49amHuerta earns 91.20 for an impressive forward 4 1/2 somersault and takes the lead.

10.47amKvasha is precariously close to the diving board as he launches. The judges mark him down slightly with a 75.90.

10.46amDespatie of Canada is diving up a storm too. He's just replaced Yeoh in second.

10.46amYeoh of Malaysia is also looking like a good tip for final, going into second with an overall score of 232.50 after three dives.

10.44amQin's reverse 3 1/2 somersault is arguably his best of the day. He earns an 84.00 and takes the lead.

10.43amWarren of Australia has remained consistent and is top after three dives. He won't stay there for long, but it looks like he could be thereabouts by the end.

10.38amMears turns on the style in round three, pulling off a reverse 2 1/2 somersault 1 1/2 twists. The judges hand out a solid 79.20.

10.37amKvasha of the Ukraine leads at the end of round two with score of 171.10. Mears lies in 16th, but is only five points away from a qualification spot.

10.35amZakharov digs deep with a back 3 1/2 somersault. It's worth 78.75, putting him in sixth place.

10.34amHe's forward 2 1/2 somersault 2 twists. He makes it look easy and pulls in a better return of 86.70 this time.

10.32amHuerta, who lead after round one, pulls off an accurate inward 3 1/2 somersault for a score of 81.60, and he goes up to second.

10.32amKvasha of the Ukraine launches into a forward 4 1/2 somersault. A very strong dive worth 91.20, and he's in the lead now!

10.30amAlexandre Despatie of Canada goes into the lead with a brilliant reverse 2 1/2 somersault 1 1/2 twist. he takes 84.15 for that.

10.27amQin of China's positioning on the board is poor, but his execution is good on his forward 2 1/2 somersault 2 twists. He earns 74.80, not spectacular for a dive with that degree of difficulty.

10.27amRosset of France is marked down for execution on his inward 3 1/2 somersault. The judges say 52.70, and that could knock him out of the competition!

10.21amMears's second dive is a reverse 2 1/2 somersault. He keeps his composure after a shaky launch. He earns 67.50. Not a disaster but he was hoping for better, I think.

10.20amAt the end of round one, Huerta leads and Team GB's Mears lies in 13th, one place off qualification as it stands.

10.20amRussia's Zakharov may be feeling the pressure. His opening dive is an inward 3 1/2 somersault worth 79.90

10.18amHe of China makes his back 2 1/2 somersault look effortless for a score of 76.50.

10.18amDumais of the United States performs a smooth opening dive to take second with a score of 82.15.

10.15amThere have been some really strong opening dives this morning. Huerta of Mexico has taken the lead thanks to his forward 2 1/2 somersault 2 twists rated at 86.70.

10.10amQin of China performs a back 2 1/2 somersault with more precision than he ever managed yesterday. He nets 79.50 and moves into second behind Kuznetsov of Russia, who earned 81.60.

10.08amCastro of Brazil with a forward 2 1/2 1 twist. He was also consistent in the preliminaries, and a 72.00 is a decent start to his semi-final campaign.

10.06amWarren of Australia was consistent yesterday, and his first dive today was businesslike. He earns 72.00.

10.06amPrygorov performs a dive with a greater degree of difficult to move into an early lead, earning 78.20 for his opener.

10.03amMears performed a back 2 1/2 somersault with pike for his opener. He's off to a good start. Good execution and smooth entry into the water. A solid score of 73.50.

9.56amWe'll be under way in just a moment. Mears will dive first as the roster goes in reverse order based on yesterday's rankings. The score sheets have been wiped clean, though.

9.53amYou can read about how the preliminary round played out here.

9.49amThis could be the diving competition where the gold goes somewhere other than China. Russia's Ilya Zakharov beat He Chong to top spot yesterday, and goes into the semi as one of the favourites.

9.48amTeam GB's Chris Mears edged through the preliminaries by a margin of less than three points, so he will have to raise his game today in the face of such stiff competition.

9.46amToday promises to be a real test of the divers' mettle. They were in action for much of yesterday evening, and have to do it all over again this morning!

9.44amGood morning and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the men's 3m springboard semi-final in the Olympic diving.
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