SHANGHAI, May 23 (Xinhuanet) -- Diving Olympic champion Tian Liang has brought the sport to a new height, said Barcelona world titlist Alexandre Despatie Sunday at the invitational Shanghai Champions Diving Tour here.

    "He was amazing," said the 19-year-old Canadian, recalling the time he made his first senior international debut in 1998 at one of the FINA Grand Prix series in Florida where Tian finished runner-up.

    "I think Tian is unbelievable. He is very precise in technique and he is very, very good," said Despatie.

    "I did not imagine that I could reach his level one day then. Now, I still don't think I am that good," said Canada's first everdiving world championships gold medalist.

    "Tian has brought the sport to a new level," he added.

    Tian, platform winner in the Sydney Olympic Games four years ago, will be the biggest favorite in this summer's Athens Olympic Games both the individual and synchronized platform events despitehis defeat at the World Championships last year when Despatie edged his idol Tian, who finished third, to clinch victory in the platform.

    "It was just not his good day and I was at my best that day, soI won," said Despatie. "If he can be in the shape as good as in Sydney, he will have the best chances in Athens." Enditem