Harding managed a total of 401.50 points from his six dives at the German city's Neptun-Schwimmhalle in an event once again missing Chinese competitors due to the coronavirus crisis. 

Fellow Briton James Heatly finished second with 382.20 points, while the United States' Andrew John Capobianco came third with 379.55.

In the women's 10m platform preliminaries, home favourite Christina Wassen led the way with 327.75 points.

Britain's Gemma McArthur and Andrea Spendolini Sirieix completed the top three with point totals of 303.95 and 302.30 points, respectively.

The semi-finals and finals of both events are due to take place tomorrow.