BEIJING, August 3, 2008 (AFP) - Former Chinese champion diver and national team coach Wenbo Chen insists there will be no divided loyalties as his United States dive team looks to spoil China's party in the Beijing pool.

Chinese-born Chen was two-time National Champion in 1977 and 1980 before he coached the China national team from 1985 until 1991.

But having taken over control of the United States team after the 2004 Athens Olympics, Chen says he will be passionately behind his charges when the competition begins at Beijing's National Aquatic Centre on Sunday.

'I love diving and I want to see the United States divers do the best they can to reach the highest level,' said the University of Beijing graduate.

'My family are really happy I am here and proud of what I am doing and they will support both China and the United States team.'

China have a strong diving record in the Olympics, but Chen insists the United States divers will hold their own in Beijing despite the passionate Chinese crowd desperate to see their team succeed.

'It's not as though Chinese divers are perfect, but there is something to learn from them,' said Chen.

'The divers in the United States have the same passion, they love their sport just as much and their families make the same sacrifices to help them, so we are all on the same page.

'At the 2004 Olympics, the team didn't do so well, but we have worked hard in the last three years, brought home medals a for competitions and I believe we will break through here.'

And veteran diver Troy Dumais insists the United States team are confident of success against the home side.

'There is nothing to choose between the United States and the Chinese teams, we have a lot of respect for them and they are great friends of ours,' said the 28-year-old.

'They push us higher and you have to be on top of your game against them.

'It will come down to who is the better mentally prepared and who is on top of their game on the day.

'It's just about who performs well on any given day and who is mentally at the top.'