SHANGHAI: The “football theme” swimsuits worn by the Malaysian synchronised swimming team heralded their debut on the World Championships stage at the Oriental Sports Centre yesterday.
The eight-member strong team of Lee Yhing Huey, Lee Zhien Huey, Emanuelle Mah, Tan May Mei, Mandy Yeap, Yeo Pei Ling, Shareen Png and Katrina Ann Hadi were not just decked in orange swimsuits with black stripes but with numbers sewn on their backs.
And Malaysia’s first participation in the team discipline provided good indications that they are on course to do well at the Palembang SEA Games later.
Malaysia ended as the best ranked in the region after the technical display, chalking 72.700 points for 20th spot.
They were ranked ahead of Thailand, who managed 67.400 to finish 21st while Indonesia and Singapore occupied 23rd and 24th spots respectively.
Thailand, Singapore and hosts Indonesia are seen as Malaysia’s biggest rivals as they have continued with the synchronised swimming programme despite it not being in the SEA Games roster for some time.
The team discipline was not in the programme when the sport was last contested at the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur in 2001 and Malaysia looked on course to do well if the results are any indication.
Chinese coach Long Yan, who handles the Bukit Jalil-based swimmers, said they had not participated in the discipline at a major stage for some time.
“The last time we took part in the team event was at the Doha Asian Games five years ago.
“We want to gauge where we stand, especially as the SEA Games will have synchronised swimming this time.”
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