Waterfield steals the limelight from Daley in Sheffield
Daley was making his first appearance since claiming the world title in Rome last summer and the focus in the build-up to the Ponds Forge meet was on the 15-year-old and his new dive, 'the Twister'.
However, 2004 Olympic silver-medallist Waterfield, pictured in action above, produced a series of superb dives and earned seven perfect 10s en route to a clear victory with 523.65points – 40 ahead of the Plymouth teenager.
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Hide Ad"I came here to do a job and to do the best I can," said Waterfield. "I was coming here to put in a good performance and I did that."
Daley said: "I tried my best, I'm disappointed and I did make some silly mistakes but then that's what happens in diving and hopefully I can correct them.
Describing Waterfield as "an incredible diver", Daley added: "I'm glad to have the competition. It's given me the kick up the backside I needed."
City of Leeds enjoyed a productive meet, winning five golds, two silver and one bronze medal.
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Hide AdOlympian Rebecca Gallantree won three golds, winning two with with club-mate Alicia Blagg and a third in the 3m individual. Helen Galashan claimed the title in the women's 10m individual.
The European bronze medalist in 2009 produced a consistent performance throughout to claim a winning total of 337.90 to win the gold.
Sarah Barrow returned from injury to finish second behind club-mate Galashan with 323.45 points.
And Harrogate District's Oliver Dingley, 17, pulled out an impressive performance in the men's 3m Individual to beat Olympian's Nick Robinson-Baker and Blake Aldridge to the gold medal.