DIVING: Battle Of Equals

ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS: China to send their best to fight Malaysia

Pandelela Rinong is nursing an ankle injury picked up during training.

CHINA, the world's strongest diving nation, now treats Malaysia as an equal.

After learning about national coach Yang Zhuliang's intentions to send his best divers for the Asian Championships, scheduled for Nov 22-25, in Dubai, China have decided to do the same.

Province-level divers were initially selected for the Asian meet but the China Diving Association changed its mind after learning that Malaysia will be led by Olympic bronze medallist Pandelela Rinong and Leong Mun Yee.

"China want to win everything. They first thought they could win the overall title with province-level divers," said Zhuliang at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil.

"But they changed their mind after I told them that I will send my best."

Zhuliang, however, may not get his wish as Pandelela is doubtful after injuring her left ankle in training two weeks ago.

Although the injury is not serious, the 19-year-old does not want to aggravate it.

"Pandelela has started light training but cannot execute tough routines at the moment. I will decide next week on whether she should be in the team," said Zhuliang.

Mun Yee, who is Pandelela's partner in the platform synchro, will also not go if the latter is unfit.

Mun Yee, who also has an ankle problem, prefers to remain in Kuala Lumpur to attend classes at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

China-born Huang Qiang, 30, who made his Olympic debut with Malaysia in London, will not compete in Dubai as he has stopped training and has resumed his coaching duties.

"Huang Qiang cannot continue as an athlete as the allowance is not enough for expenses. He wants to continue as a coach," said Zhuliang.

Olympian Traisy Vivien Tukiet, Jasmine Lai and Kam Ling Kar have all withdrawn as they will be sitting for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia exams.

On Malaysia's target in Dubai, Zhuliang said his divers are good for medals.

"We, however, are not quite prepared because we did not go to China. The training facilities here are not good enough for world class divers," Zhuliang added.

Read more: DIVING: Battle of equals - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-battle-of-equals-1.165049#ixzz2B1gxGj3E