After winning the final four stops last year, 7-time champion Gary Hunt began this season where he left off – the brilliant Brit is unbeaten in five competitions across seasons.

 

In El Nido's beautiful lagoons Romania's Constantin Popovici edged the leader after three rounds, Jonathan Paredes from Mexico, out of second place in his first competition as a permanent diver from 27 metres.

 

No surprises for the women in the season opener. Three-time champion Iffland got off to a flyer in this unspoilt location in Palawan, Philippines. Yana Nestsiarava from Belarus equalled her best ever finish in second place with Canada's Lysanne Richard completing the podium.