Couch reaches World final to seal Rio 2016 quota place

Having progressed in ninth from the morning prelims on 328.70, the 26-year old raised her level to score 339.70 and book her spot in the final, qualifying in seventh as China’s Ren Qian led the way on 432.15

European gold medallist Sarah Barrow, whose training has been disrupted by an on-going shin injury this season, was also in action in the semi-final but missed out on qualification as she finished 18th on 283.10.

But there was little doubt over Couch’s progression as she stayed rooted in the top 10 throughout the rounds, scoring 64 or more for all five of her dives.

And having secured a career-best fourth at last year’s World Cup, the Brit will be hoping to beat her previous best individual World Championship ranking of eighth in tomorrow’s final.

"I'm chuffed to make the final because it's been a very tough day, starting at 7 am and finishing at 4:30 pm," said Couch, who finished sixth with Barrow in the 10m Synchro earlier in the week.

"I think it showed on everybody because a lot of divers didn't dive their best today but I think it will be different tomorrow.

"Getting that Olympic quota place is great and takes a little bit of weight of my shoulders so I'm very happy about that as well."

Barrow will have another chance to secure a second Olympic spot for Great Britain at next year’s World Cup in Rio.

And the 26-year old admitted she is determined to approach next season with a clean bill of health to give herself the best possible chance of clinching a second spot at the Games.

"I'll take a couple of months now to let my shins heal and hopefully next year I can come back injury-free," said Barrow.

"The first dive was better than this morning but it's been such a tiring day and I really felt like I didn't have much energy going into that.

"I've been injured this year so I was missing that endurance you need to compete at this level."