Wu Minxia moved a step closer to a record-equalling sixth Olympic Diving medal after qualifying for the women's 3m Springboard semi-final in first place.

Wu Minxia of China competes in the women's 3m springboard diving preliminary round on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre.

The 26-year-old will draw level with former synchro partner Guo Jinging should she stand on the podium after Sunday's final.

Wu posted a score of 387.95 to beat nearest rival, and fellow Chinese, He Zi by 24.1 points.

Wu and He combined to win the Synchronised 3m Springboard title on Sunday and they stamped their class over today's preliminary round.

'It was my usual performance. I have done well,' Wu said. 'I will try to perform my personal best. I think everyone did quite well. It's very competitive.'

Italy's Tania Cagnotto gave her bid to claim a first ever medal at her fourth Games an immediate boost as she qualified in third place.

There were no major casualties as the 30-diver field was reduced to 18, with world bronze medallist Jennifer Abel qualifying fourth ahead of Australia's Sharleen Stratton.