The 15-year-old Canadian edged out compatriot Ethan Pitman with a combined score of 404.15 points to seal top spot.

Pitman had to settle for second with 403.65, while Britain’s Robbie Lee was third with 371.50.

"I was nervous because it was my first and I wanted to show others my abilities and let them know who I am," said Cullen.

"I liked my handstand.

"I don’t always hold them.

"I managed to hold it which was pretty cool."

The women’s 3m springboard preliminary round saw two American divers battle it out for pole position.

Margo O’Meara did enough to finish first after posting 296.20, while Kristen Hayden came second with 295.75.

Britain’s Amy Rollinson completed the top three finishers when she recorded a score of 272.75.

Olivia Chamandy finished fourth with 270.35.

"It was OK for prelims," said Canad's Chamandy.

"It was average.

"I had some nerves, my legs were a little bit shaky which is normal.

"All-in-all, I missed one or two dives, but I’m satisfied."

The Canadian edition of the 2021 FINA Diving Grand Prix, also known as the Canada Cup, is being hosted virtually and allows international athletes to compete against each other in real time from across the globe.

The event features 34 athletes from Britain, Canada, Slovakia and the United States competing from six different locations.

Equipment has been sent to the competing nations, with a Dejero transmitter provided to help with the filming of the event.

The transmitter is connected to the pool's hard-wired internet connection and provides transmission rates of less than one second.

The transmission is sent to Integrated Sports' video-production system in Canada, with the video then sent to a website which allows judges to watch and score athletes in real time.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow with the finals of the men’s 10m synchronised, women’s 3m synchronised, men’s 3m springboard and women’s 10m platform.