Tom Daley in action at the British National Cup

Commonwealth champion Tom Daley returned to the pool today with a new partner - the 2004 Olympic silver medallist Peter Waterfield ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The pair were competing together in the 10m synchro final at the British National Cup in Southend - a three day event which began on Friday Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Individually, these are the best divers in Britain, which is why they've been paired together in preparation for the 2012 Olympics Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Still just 16 years old, Daley is 13 years younger than his new dive-partner Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The pair used Saturday's synchro competition to test-run a particularly tricky dive - a forward 4.5 somersault. As the strain on Daley's face shows, it didn't exactly go according to plan Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Daley doesn't look too amused as he exits the pool Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The Commonwelath champion looks up at the 10m board, assessing the prospect of another dive Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Eyes closed for entry ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

This time the pair are perfectly in sync Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Daley and Waterfield begin another immaculate dive as they dominate the event Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The pair scored 438.54 - easily defeating second-placed Joe Meszaros and Callum Johnstone (361.41) and third-placed James Denny and Max Brick (Daley's former partner) Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

On Sunday, Daley and Waterfield went head-to-head in the singles, with Waterfield victorious for the second year running. Daley had the edge at the halfway stage, but eventually lost 494.25 to 472.35 as Waterfield excelled in his last two dives Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian