Yang, who is from Luzhou, the Sichuan province where Qiu Bo and former Olympic champions Tian Liang and Gao Min come from, scored a record 616.50 in the Diving World Series in London this year.
"Though I win the gold, I did not perform my best. I had ups-and-downs during the final, especially my first dive was not good," said Yang.
Qiu, who set the pace after three rounds but suffered a blow in his 207B, earning a poor 43.20, secured the silver following a strong Inward 4.5 somersaults (109C), which received a day-high 105.45, and 100.70 points for his Forward 2.5 somersaults 3 twists (5156B).
The 19th FINA Diving World Cup concludes on a high note at Shanghai's Oriental Sports Centre
"I made a big mistake that cost me the gold. The competition was tough tonight," said 21-year-old Qiu.
Ivan Garcia showed his highest DD, performing an Inward 3.5 somersaults (409C), earning 94.30 points to secure a podium spot.
"I want to thank my coach, my team, especially my synchro partner German Sanchez. I won this medal for them. I'm happy with it!" said Garcia.
Shi Tingmao snatches first title in women's 3m springboard
Under a scorching sun, China's Shi Tingmao showed her superb consistence, clinching her first title at this level in the women's 3m springboard on the last day, Sunday July 20, of the 19th FINA Diving World Cup in Shanghai.
Shi, 2011 world champion in the 1m springboard and winner of the 3m synchro with Olympic and world champion Wu Minxia at the FINA World Championships last year as well as at the FINA Diving World Cup this week, dominated the operations from the third round on, amassing a total 383.40 points to be reigning world champion and team-mate He Zi, second with 369.65.
Jennifer Abel of Canada performed brilliantly to claim the bronze with 364.05 points while Australia's Maddison Keeney, who placed 12 in the semi-final, moved up to finish fourth in the final, scoring 346.00.
"We have experienced various weather since the World Cup started on July 15, including heavy rain, showers, cloudy and sunny days. This afternoon is the first time we face such a burning sun during the competition. It is not easy to compete in outdoor pools but I believe everyone has tried his best," said 22-year-old Shi.
"It is the first time that I compete in the individual 3m springboard. It is a chance that I hope to test and improve myself," Shi added.
Shi started to pair up with Wu Minxia since last year's Barcelona World Championships. "I need to gain experience and learn from others in the future," she continued.
Reigning world champion He Zi (CHN)
Reigning world champion and 2012 Olympic runner-up He Zi dominated the first two rounds in the final before she made mistakes in her Reverse 2.5 somersaults (305B) and Forward 3.5 somersaults (107B), her third and fourth dives.
"I don't want to blame the sun for my defeat. I have to say I still need to work on my dives in daily training. I have learned a lesson from today that I should overcome all the difficulties in the competition," He said.
Third-place finisher Jennifer Abel said: "It is a tough competition and the top two Chinese divers are very strong. It is very hot today and I am really happy with this medal."