KAZAN, Russia (AFP) - The United States claimed gold and silver in the women's high diving event at the world aquatics championships on Tuesday, as Rachelle Simpson took the title.

The 27-year-old won gold after three rounds from 20m, where the divers enter the water feet first, with 258.70 points to take the first world title of her career.

Silver went to her US team-mate Cesilie Carlton, the defending world champion from two years ago in Barcelona, who scored 237.35, and hugged Simpson when her victory was confirmed.

"Rachelle was amazing, you always want to win, but I'm happy to take silver home," said Carlton.

"It's pretty scary to dive from 20m, you look down and you don't want to mess up.

"You have to trust in the training you have had and in your body, it knows what it's doing."

Bronze was won by Belarus' Yana Nestsiarava, the youngest of the nine divers taking part, with a score of 233.10.