The wait is over for Yiwei at SEA Games

Malaysian divers Chew Yiwei (left) and Ooi Tze Liang after winning the 10m synchro platform event at the Singapore SEA Games on Saturday. - IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/ The STAR

SINGAPORE: That’s a weight off his shoulders.

Chew Yiwei’s finally got his hands on the SEA Games gold medal after winning the men's 10m platform synchro title with Ooi Tze Liang at the OCBC Aquatics Centre on Saturday.

And during the prize presentation, Yiwei kissed his gold medal immediately after it was placed on his neck.

Yiwei-Tze Liang finished the six-dive competition with 404.37 points to complete a double at the pool for Malaysia. Cheong Jun Hoong had successfully defended her women's 3m springboard individual title earlier.

Indonesia's Andriyan Andriyan-Putra Adiyto Restu took silver with 355.11 points as Thailand's Siriboon Theerapat-Juntaphadawon Yotsaw settled for the bronze with 316.77.

The 19-year-old Yiwei was delighted to stand on the top-step of the podium after taking bronze in his first SEA Games appearance in Myanmar two years ago.

“That bronze came from the 3m springboard individual .... my only event in Myanmar. I didn't train for the platform events then. It was worth the wait and I feel good now,” said the Klang-born Yiwei, who partnered Tze Liang to a bronze in 10m platform synchro at the Incheon Asian Games last September.

“I have to put my celebrations on hold for now ... I have the 10m platform competition coming up on Monday.

“We were not consistent today compared to our performance in the Asian Games but it's good enough for this level.”

Malaysia’s chase for diving gold continues on Sunday with Tze Liang and Mohd Syafiq Puteh competing in the men's 3m springboard individual and Leong Mun Yee-Traisy Vivien Tukiet taking part in the women's 10m platform synchro.