Tom Daley will take an emotional first step towards the defence of his world 10metre platform title at the British Gas National Diving Championships in Leeds this weekend.

Daley will make his first competitive appearance since the death of his father, Robert, who lost his long battle with brain cancer just a fortnight ago.

The proximity of his tragic loss has meant the 17-year-old will only compete in his world-title winning event after he and synchro partner Peter Waterfield pulled out of tomorrow's team event.

‘‘Preparations for the competition have been difficult over recent weeks and the pair will now focus on next month's World Championships in Shanghai,'' a statement from British Swimming read.

‘‘Both Waterfield and Daley are expected to compete in the men's 10m individual on Sunday.''

The understandable decision will allow Daley an extra day of preparation after he had only travelled to Leeds after attending his father's funeral on Wednesday.

Daley shared a close relationship with his dad, who was a familiar figure at poolside during his son's young career, and who had hoped to see him dive at next year's London Olympics.

While he has had little time to prepare for this weekend's meets, he is still fully expected to qualify alongside Waterfield for the right to defend the world title he won in Rome two years ago.

Veteran Waterfield will provide a stern test as the reigning national champion, after injury forced Daley out of last year's meet in Sheffield, while the 30-year-old also beat Daley at the National Cup in Southend earlier this year.

Daley has, however, shown significant signs he is nearing his best after suffering a lull in form earlier this season as he developed a new list of more difficult dives ahead of next year's Olympics.

The teenager's improvement was highlighted when he claimed silver with his highest ever score at the final FINA World Series event in April and, with qualification almost a certainty, his improvement will be a main focus of tomorrow's competition.