PANDELELA Rinong has come to realise the importance of executing flawless dives following a wake-up call at the recent World Series second leg in Dubai.
Pandelela started her season with a bronze medal in the women's 10m platform individual in the opening leg in Beijing but fared poorly in Dubai despite posting a better score.The Bidayuh-lass finished fifth in Dubai on 353.50, 15.75 points better than her bronze medal effort in Beijing.
Pandelela, a bronze medallist in the London Olympics, must cut down on her mistakes if she hopes to make an impact on world class events.
"I scored higher in Dubai but my rivals did even better. It is a sign that others are tightening their routines and trying out new things," said Pandelela yesterday.
"I cannot afford poor dives anymore. It is also important to produce at least two high scoring dives in competitions."
Pandelela, 20, will compete in the third leg in Edinburgh, which starts on Friday.
"I will need to post 80 points and above in at least two dives for a medal in Edinburgh. All the best divers will use the meet to prepare for the World Championships in July (in Barcelona).
"I have been training hard for the last few weeks to get myself conditioned for Edinburgh and Moscow (fourth leg the following week). I hope to have my revenge," said Pandedela, who will partner Cheong Jun Hoong for the 10m platform synchro in Edinburgh.
Jun Hoong will also compete in the 3m springboard synchro with Wendy Ng while Ahmad Amsyar-Ooi Tze Liang are registered for the men's 3m springboard synchro.
Except for Pandelela, the rest departed for Scotland yesterday.
Pandelela will only join her teammates after today's National Sports Awards, where she is favourite to claim a second straight Sportswoman of the Year award.
Read more: DIVING: Reality check for Pandelela - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-reality-check-for-pandelela-1.256247#ixzz2QgZFjY7M
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