Malaysia look to Pandelela, Mun Yee to create splash in Shanghai

SHANGHAI: Malaysia are among the 191 countries competing in the World Swimming Championships, which begin here today, but it is only the divers who are capable of making a big splash.

At the last worlds in Rome two years ago, Pandelela Rinong-Leong Mun Yee plunged their way to a historic bronze medal in the women’s 10m platform synchronised.

Pandelela-Mun Yee have since proved it was no fluke as they went on to take the silver at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games last year. The duo also claimed a historic gold in the Germany leg of the FINA Diving Grand Prix Circuit in May.

Before coming into the worlds, the Malaysians spent a month training in China. But it is still going to be tough for Pandelela-Mun Yee as they will battle with top divers from China, the United States, Canada and Russia. The stakes are also high as Olympic spots are up for grabs.

The top three pairs from the synchronised events and all the 12 finalists in the individual 3m springboard and 10m platform will qualify for next year’s London Olympics.

Diving head coach Yang Zhuliang has excluded Mun Yee from the individual springboard to allow her to focus on putting up a strong performance with Pandelela in the 10m platform synchronised.

“The women’s 10m platform synchronised is our best chance to fight for a medal. It will create history as we have never qualified for the synchronised discipline in the Olympics. But it’s not easy as there are five or six pairs fighting for the top three spots here.

“I believe we will eventually qualify for the Olympics. But we want to grab a place as early as possible,” said Zhuliang.

If the Malaysians fail to grab their Olympic spots here, they will have to wait until the World Cup in London in February.

As for the individual disciplines, Zhuliang added the focus would be on helping the four seniors – Pandelela, Mun Yee, Yeoh Ken Nee and Bryan Nickson – qualify for the London Games.

The four will also be out to justify their inclusion under the Road to London programme after their sparkling performances at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games last year.

“These four divers have the best chances to make the final in their respective events. If any of the four can make it to the final, they are already assured of a place in the Olympics. It is better if we qualify early as we can work on fine tuning their dives and get them ready for the Games.”

Of the four, only Pandelela and Bryan have reached the final before. They achieved the feat in the platform event in Rome.

The Malaysian Team

DIVING (July 16-24)

Yeoh Ken Nee (men’s 3m springboard individual and synchronised).

Bryan Nickson Lomas (men’s 10m platform individual, 3m springboard synchronised).

Ooi Tze Liang (men’s 10m platform individual).

Pandelela Rinong (women’s 10m platform individual and synchronised).

Leong Mun Yee (women’s 3m springboard synchronised and 10m platform synchronised).

Wendy Ng Yan Yee (women’s 3m springboard individual and synchronised).

Trasie Vivien (women’s 10m platform individual).

Cheong Jun Hoong (women’s 1m and 3m springboard individual).

SWIMMING (July 24-31).

Khoo Cai Lin (women’s 400m freestyle).

Chan Kah Yan (women’s 50m backstroke).

Christina Loh (women’s 50m breaststroke).

Chui Lai Kwan (women’s 50m freestyle).

Kevin Yeap (men’s 800m freestyle).

n SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING (July 17-23)

Katrina Ann Hadi (solo, duet and team).

Shareen Png (duet and team).

Lee Yhing Huey (team), Xyanne Lee (team), Tan May Mei (team), Mandy Yeap (team), Yeo Pei Ling (team), Emanuelle Mah (team), Tasha Jane (team).