NATURALISED Malaysian Huang Qiang has been given the nod to replace Bryan Nickson Lomas in the 3m springboard individual discipline at the London Olympics.
Huang Qiang, a former Asian Games medallist, earned the right to compete in a second Olympic event following his good performance at the recent Montreal and Fort Lauderdale legs of the FINA Grand Prix.
Despite competing against highly ranked divers, the 30-year-old managed to finish fourth in both legs.
“Huang Qiang passed his test with flying colours in both legs. I will recommend him for the individual event at the expense of Bryan,” said national coach Yang Zhuliang.
Bryan earned three quota Olympic spots for the country in the springboard individual and synchro; and 10m platform individual but Zhuliang felt it would tax him if he competes in all in London.
Furthermore, Bryan stands a better chance in the springboard synchro with Huang Qiang and platform individual.
“Huang Qiang has been working hard to get back to competition form and despite not being at peak condition, he has managed to make a huge impression of late.
“He, however, will give emphasis on the synchro with Bryan, where they are our hope of a medal,” said Zhuliang.
Huang Quang hit it off with Bryan in their first competition together at the London World Cup in February, bagging a historic bronze and also earning a quota spot for the Olympics.
They recently underlined their Olympic credentials with stunning back-to-back victories in Montreal and Fort Lauderdale.
The two competitions, however, did not attract the Olympic bound pairs from China and Russia but the breakthrough success for Malaysia at the Grand Prix circuit underlined their potential to create Olympic history.
There are only eight pairs involved, making it a straight final.
“If Huang Qiang-Bryan can do well in all six dives and hit, at least, 440 points, they should get a medal.
“I do not want to take a gamble by changing their dive routines, which is slightly less competitive than what China, Ukraine or Canada are doing.
“The top pairs are on more difficult routines but it is hard to perform consistently. If they perform poorly in one dive, their scores will drop,” Zhuliang added.
Besides Bryan and Huang Qiang, the other Olympic-bound divers are Yeoh Ken Nee, Leong Mun Yee, Cheong Jun Hoong, Wendy Ng Yan Yee, Traisy Vivien Tukiet and Pandelela Rinong.
Read more: DIVING: Huang gets the nod - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-huang-gets-the-nod-1.88125#ixzz1wEJpjWj1
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