PETALING JAYA: Diver Pandelela Rinong got a good boost in confidence ahead of the World Championships by topping the national trials, but she knows the juniors are nibbling at her heels.
The 32-year-old scored 270.20 in the women’s 10m platform event at the National Aquatics Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday, finishing ahead of 20-year-old Nur Eilisha Rania who scored 249.65.
Pandelela felt her performance was just up to par, but the dives performed by the juniors was what really caught her attention.
“I felt my dives were just alright, maybe it was luck that saw me win.
“But it’s really great to see the juniors improving well. I say in another year or two, they can overtake me I’m sure,” she said.
Pandelela added that she had competed at the trials to serve as preparation ahead of the world meet in Singapore from July 11-Aug 3.
It was the first time Pandelela failed to surpass the minimum qualifying score (MQS) of 290 points set by the Malaysian Swimming Federation for senior divers, having cleared the mark twice previously.
“I already passed the MQS twice, so I’ve qualified for the world meet. But I still wanted to compete today, so that training doesn’t get too boring,” she said.
The four-time Olympian said the focus was on building her mental strength.
“I’m using this as preparation before the world champs, especially to train myself more mentally,” she said.
Pandelela said she was not feeling any discomfort from previous injuries suffered at the World Cup in Canada last month, where she had a tricep injury.
“I’m thankful to be safe from any injury here before the world champs,” she said.
At the world meet, Pandelela will also be competing in the women’s 10m platform synchro event with partner Lee Yiat Qing after topping the event on Saturday.
Yiat Qing also had reason to celebrate as she won the women’s 3m springboard event by scoring 242.20 yesterday, finishing ahead of Nur Ikmas Darwisyah with 186.20.
Meanwhile, youngster Elvis Priestly Clement took the win in the men’s 10m platform event with a score of 375.50, ahead of Mohd Anilrian Normatrud with 350.50 while Bertrand Rhodict settled for third with 350.40.
In the men’s 3m springboard event, Mohd Syafiq Puteh took the win with a close margin as he scored 391.25, while Nurqayyum Nazmi Mohd Nazim came second with 390.70.
RESULTS
Men
3m springboard individual: 1. Mohd Syafiq Puteh 391.25, 2. Nurqayyum Nazmi Mohd Nazim 390.70, 3. Yong Rui Jie 360.40
10m platform individual: 1. Elvis Priestly Clement 375.50, 2. Mohd Anilrian Normatrud 350.50, 3. Bertrand Rhodict 350.40
Women
3m springboard individual: 1. Lee Yiat Qing 242.20, 2. Nur Ikmas Darwisyah 186.20, 3. Cecelia Olivia 183.70
10m platform individual: 1. Pandelela Rinong 270.20, 2. Nur Eilisha Rania 249.65, 3. Lee Yiat Qing 242.85
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