Problems aside, Slyvester finally gets it right

KANAGR: Third time’s the charm for Slyvester Gaing as he rose to the occasion to bag his first Sukma medals – both golds – in the men’s platform and 3m springboard synchro.

Slyvester teamed up with Carlyse Chan Wee Chiek to score 334.80 in the springboard synchro event, well ahead of nearest rivals Ikhlas-Ahmad Sharol Lail and Ng Zheng Hao of Selangor (287.82) to deliver the first diving gold for Sarawak.

Perak’s Yeap Kua Chee and Muhammad Syafiq Puteh finished third on 275.10.

The win gave Slyvester, competing in his third Sukma, a boost of confidence as he took the platform gold with a score of 276.10, well ahead of Federal Territories’ Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya (264.45) and Jellson Jabilin of Sabah (253.05).

“Honestly, I didn’t expect to win either event. It came as a surprise, but it’s a pleasant one because it finally happened,” said Slyvester, who finished fourth in the 3m individual springboard on Thursday.

The 17-year-old from Kuching joined the national development squad in January this year but was forced to quit prematurely in April due to family problems. However, Slyvester has not ruled out re-joining the squad after his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.

“I love diving. And should the national team come calling again, I’ll definitely take up the chance. Being a Sarawakian, I’d love to emulate Bryan’s (Nickson Lomas) success and hopefully I’ll get the chance to do it,” added the Form Five student from SMK Tebuan Jaya.

Meanwhile, FT’s Loh Zhiayi bagged the women’s platform event.

Zhiayi maintain a steady lead with a series of 66.30, 75.00, 65.60, 60.90 and 57.60 to amass a total of 325.40 points for the gold - her second after clinching the women’s platform synchro with Nur Dhabitah Sabri.

Perak’s Jasmine Lai Pui Yee (241.10) picked up the silver with Megan Elizabeth Teoh (213.95) taking the bronze.