Chinese divers Peng Jianfeng and He Chao recorded a 1-2 finish to qualify for the men's 1m springboard final at the 17th FINA World Championships in Budapest on Friday.
In a 51-men preliminary, Peng finished a total of 435.15 points in six rounds, 3.8 points more than his teammate He.
"My body feels like a little stiff. Overall, I am satisfied with my performance today," said Peng, adding that his target will be on the title.
Peng had to take on a strong comeback for the top finish in the preliminary as he only ranked 12th overall after his first-round dive at 63.00 points.
However, he has climbed to the second position after four rounds with 81.60 points in the fourth attempt, and moved atop one round later.
"I didn't feel much nervous in the match," commented Peng, who was on his maiden appreance at the worlds.
He, who needed to show himself in Budapest after a disappointing journey in Rio last year, claimed the first place after two rounds, before being overtaken by Peng after the fifth attempt.
"It's my normal level today. I just need to relax myself in the final," said He.
The men's 1m springboard final will be held on Sunday.
