Rui Jie springs forth after change in mindset

Sparkle ahead: Yong Rui Jie in action during the men’s 1m springboard final.

KUALA LUMPUR: Diver Yong Rui Jie was once hesitant to push his limits, but a shift in mindset under coach Ooi Tze Liang is beginning to pay off.

That renewed belief was evident as the 20-year-old Rui Jie made a strong start at the national diving trials in Bukit Jalil, topping two events on the opening day.

He captured the men’s 1m springboard title with 341.10 points, comfortably ahead of teammate Mohd Nurqayyum Nazmi Nazim, who finished the six-dive contest on 300.15.

Former SEA Games gold medallist Mohd Syafiq Puteh placed third with 292.60 points.

Rui Jie secured his second gold of the day with Nurqayyum in the men’s 3m springboard synchro event with 364.62 points to leave Ikmal Abror Ibrahim-Mohd Haris Haikal with silver at 307.86.

Rui Jie, who is from Kuala Lumpur, said he has been learning and adapting to new techniques under former Commonwealth Games gold medallist springboard diver Tze Liang since the start of this year.

“I feel like I am discovering my full potential after learning different techniques from a different coach,” said Rui Jie.

“Tze Liang was a springboard specialist and he is now passing his experience to us. It’s a good opportunity for me to grow. I used to be hesitant on things.

“I feel I have improved my height clearance when taking off from the diving board and I am more consistent basically.

“I’m pleased with my individual scores today,” said Rui Jie, who partnered Nurqayyum to win a SEA Games gold in their debut in Thailand last year.

“My focus now is to improve my consistency and keep the momentum going until the Asian Games (in Japan in September).