At 16-years of age, Chen shocked the world by claiming two titles in the women's 10m platform and synchronised at the Beijing Olympic Games last year.
Chen will contest both individual and synchro on her trade-mark platform in Shenzhen, but will be paired with a new partner Kang Lin in the synchro as her Olympic winning partner Wang Xin had an eye operation at the end of 2008.

Lin Yue and Huo Liang, Olympic champions in the men's 10m platform synchronised, as well as men's 3m springboard synchro winners Qin Kai and Wang Feng are also expected to shine at this first leg of the FINA Grand Prix in 2009.

Zhou Jihong, team manager of China, confirmed that four Olympic champions will not compete in the meet, including four-time Olympic champions Guo Jingjing, her synchro partner Wu Minxia, Wang Xin and men's 3m springboard winner He Chong.

Known as the Diving Diva, Guo is still on her long holidays after the Olympic Games, while Wu and He had to quit the Shenzhen meet due to neck and knee injuries.

Zhou said: "I hope the other Olympic champions can forget their previous success and play their best at the first international event at the beginning of this year."