CHINA-BORN diver Huang Qiang will likely return to competition at next week's London World Cup, the final Olympic qualifying competition, for the first time as a Malaysian.
The 30-year-old, who received his citizenship last July, was given the nod by national coach Yang Zhuliang following a successful four-week stint in China.
The national team trained in Quangdong province along with China's Olympic-bound divers and Huang Qiang, who quit the sport six years ago, made quite an impression during the stint.
Huang Qiang, a former Asian Games medallist, has been registered for the 3-metre springboard synchro discipline, where he will partner Bryan Nickson Lomas.
But it is not a done deal for the ex-China diver as Zhuliang can opt for a replacement on the eve of the competition, at the team's managers' meeting. Veteran diver Yeoh Ken Nee is the reserve.
"Huang's (Qiang) form and fitness is better after the stint but he needs to work harder. As for his combination with Lomas, they are doing well in training," said Zhuliang at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"Lomas and Huang have a similar body shapes and this is ideal for synchro diving and to add up, they have been successful in executing difficult routines.
"I have given a good report on Huang's progress to the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) and the national body has agreed to register him for the World Cup."
Four Olympic spots are up for grabs in the competition and Malaysia's chances of earning one for the first time in a synchro event looks bright with Huang Qiang the China-born diver in the squad.
Malaysia have so far earned Olympic quota spots through Lomas (men's 10m platform and 3m springboard), Ken Nee (3m springboard) and Pandelela Rinong (women's 10m platform).
Pandelela, the undisputed platform champion in Southeast Asia, has been registered for three events in London.
The 19-year-old will compete in both the springboard and 10-metre platform synchro disciplines and also the platform individual.
Pandelela will dive with Cheong Jun Hoong in the springboard and partner Leong Mun Yee in the platform.
The Kuching-born diver rarely competes in springboard events but Zhuliang believes she can make the grade at the World Cup.
"Our main priority in London is to earn Olympic spots. I want my divers to earn as many as possible. Pandelela's inclusion in the springboard synchro is a strategy to boost our chances of earning a spot," said Zhuliang.
Olympic qualification looks easier in individual events as the top-18 divers at the World Cup are guaranteed berths and Malaysian divers should earn a few.
The divers leave for London tomorrow.
The squad -- Men's 3-metre springboard individual: Yeoh Ken Nee; Synchro: Bryan Nickson Lomas-Huang Qiang; 10m platform individual: Bryan Nickson Lomas, Ooi Tze Liang; Synchro: Pandika Idoma-Abdul Rashid.
Women's 3m springboard individual: Ng Yan Yee, Cheong Jun Hoong; Synchro: Pandelela Rinong-Cheong Jun Hoong; 10m platform individual: Pandelela Rinong, Traisy Vivien; Synchro: Pandelela Rinong-Leong Mun Yee.
Read more: DIVING: London outing for Huang Qiang - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-london-outing-for-huang-qiang-1.46741#ixzz1mRK5NUfZ
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