Tze Liang Returns Home To Take Part In Sukma After Olympic Dream Ends

WITH his Olympic dreams in tatters, national diver Ooi Tze Liang has flown back from China to boost Penang’s campaign in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) diving competition, which begins tomorrow.

Tze Liang’s hopes of an Olympic debut ended when all the countries confirmed their quota slots earned for the men’s individual 10m platform.

The Penangite, a double Sukma gold medallist in Malacca two years ago, has been training with the eight divers who have already qualified for the London Olympics in Dali, China, for the past one month.

“It’s confirmed that Bryan Nickson Lomas is the only Malaysian representative for the individual 10m platform at the Olympics,” said Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) secretary Edwin Chong.

“Tze Liang can represent Penang at the Sukma but he can only compete in two individual events as he has represented the country at the Guangzhou Asian Games and New Delhi Commonwealth Games.”

A contender: Ooi Tze Liang will boost Penang’s hope of winning gold in diving 

The 18-year-old Tze Liang will compete in the 10m platform and 3m springboard in Kuantan.

While Penang rejoice the return of Tze Liang, Sarawak were left ruing the loss of Malacca Sukma gold medallist Traisy Vivien Tukiet.

Sarawak had entered her for the diving competition but she has been ruled out due to her qualification for the London Olympics.

“The registration was done last December but she qualified for the Olympics at the Diving World Cup in London in February,” said Edwin.

“She has to remain in China to prepare for the Olympics ... that is her priority.”

Ten gold medals will be up for grabs in the Sukma diving competition.