Kazan (Russia), July 29 (IANS): Italian diver Tania Cagnotto denied China a golden sweep at the World Aquatics Championships by taking the women's one metre springboard title by 1.65 points over China's Shi Tingmao here.

Cagnotto built up her lead from the first two dives and kept stable in the next three free dives, winning a total of 310.85 points on Tuesday, reports Xinhua.

China's Shi Tingmao suffered a poor 203B in her second dive but came back strongly, especially her last dive 5333D for a day-high 70.20, finishing second in 309.20. Defending champion He Zi of China came third in 300.30.

As a 30-year-old veteran, it was Cagnotto's eighth World Championship and first gold medal.

"It is unbelievable that I won the gold medal! I have won silvers and bronzes all these years. I respect the Chinese divers as they are my idols. The feeling of beating them is enjoyable. I could finish my career in a better way now as a world champion," Cagnotto said.

"I made a big bang at last as this World Championships can be my last one. I do not want to change my world champion to an Olympic gold. It is always hard to win a medal at the Olympics. I finished fourth in the synchro and individual in London 2012. I am very happy with my world title.

Defending 3m springboard champion Shi said: "Congratulations to Tania. She did very great while we performed our normal form. We will continue to vie for the gold in the 3m event."