Diving / Asia Cup: Bryan Nicks His Second Olympic Berth

Bryan Nickson in action in the 10m platform final of the Diving Asia Cup competition at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday. — Picture by Fariz Iswadi Ismail

BRYAN Nickson Lomas earned Malaysia's fourth Olympic spot in the men's 10-metre platform individual on the final day of the Diving Asia Cup competition at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Yesterday, Bryan effortlessly won gold as he led from start to finish to post 480.50 points ahead of compatriot Ooi Tze Liang on 450.80 and Indonesia's Mohd Nasrullah with 396.20, in the three-man competition.

Yeoh Ken Nee (men's 3m springboard) and Pandelela Rinong (women's 10m platform) are the other two who have qualified for the Olympics. Bryan will feature in his third straight Olympics in London next year.
The former world junior champion hopes to fight for a medal after poor performances at Athens in 2004 and the 2008 Beijing Games.

"I do not want to just make up the numbers this time. My goal is to fight for a medal but in order to do that, I need to attempt greater difficult levels and also improve on my entries," said Bryan in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

"A diver needs to post about 500 points to win medals at the Olympics. I've not scored that high before."

Bryan's next target is to qualify for the 3m springboard synchro with Ken Nee at next year's World Cup in London, an Olympic qualifying competition.

He, however, stressed that his participation at the London Games will depend on coach Yang Zhuliang.

"It will be great if I can qualify for my third event at the World Cup but it does mean I would get to compete in all three," said Bryan.

"I can give up one competition for my compatriot as qualification is by country," added the silver medallist at last year's Guangzhou Asian Games.

On his victory yesterday, Bryan said it was made easier in the absence of China's divers.

"I felt relaxed after my coach informed me that China's divers had withdrawn. It would have been more difficult with them around," added Bryan.

China, represented by their second stringers, retained their title with a haul of seven gold and five silver medals followed by Malaysia (3-5-4) and Indonesia and Singapore, who each won two bronze.

RESULTS (Malaysia unless stated) -- Men's 10m platform: 1 Bryan Nickson Lomas 480.5, 2 Ooi Tze Liang 450.8, 3 Mohd Nasrullah (Ina) 396.20.


Women's 3m springboard: 1 Zhang Jun (Chn) 338.15, 2 Jia Dongjin (Chn) 336.30, 3 Cheong Jun Hoong 310.45 ... 5 Leong Mun Yee 303.10.

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