Pandelela Set To End Medal Drought

Pandelela Rinong is desperate to win a first individual medal at the World Aquatic Championships.

PANDELELA RINONG is fully aware that she cannot afford to score anything less than 370 points if she dreams of winning her maiden individual medal at the World Aquatic Championships in Barcelona this July 19 – August 4.

The Olympic bronze medallist has been struggling to hit the right form in the 10m platform individual, which is her pet event.

Pandelela claimed just one bronze in the opening leg of Diving World Series (DWS) in Beijing, but failed to step onto the podium in the next five.

Fresh from completing a six-week training stint in China, the fitter looking 20-year-old two time National Sportswoman of the Year believes she can get things right at the world meet.

“The 10m platform event is becoming more competitive than ever, but I’m relishing the tough challenge,” said Pandelela, who will leave for Barcelona with her team-mates today.

“I feel rejuvenated after returning from China. I know things didn’t work out too well for me in the World Series earlier, so I’m out to prove to everyone that was just some minor hiccups.

“I want a podium finish so badly in this year’s competition, having settled for fifth place twice in Rome (2009) and Shanghai (2011).

“But to stand a chance of winning it, I need at least 370 points. The Chinese are looking good for a 1-2 finish as the defending champion Chen Ruolin and newcomer Si Yajie are both capable of hitting 400-point mark.

“Meaghan (Benfeito of Canada), Yulia (Koltunova of Russia) and Brittany (Broben of Australia) will be the other medal contenders.”

Pandelela scored a career high points of 381.75 when she clinched a silver medal at the World University Games (Universiade) in Shenzhen two years ago.

This season, her best was 358.90, when she finished fourth in Guadalajara- the fifth leg of DWS.

Pandelela, who has a history of back and ankle injury, is also pleased with her fitness level.

“I’m feeling so good and my fitness is in tip-top condition. I just can’t wait for the world meet to start!”she exclaimed.

Besides Pandelela, Leong Mun Yee, Cheong Jun Hoong and Wendy Ng Yan Yee are the other three divers departing from Kuala Lumpur today.

They will be joined by Ooi Tze Liang, Chew Yi Wei, Ahmad Amsyar Azman and Traisy Vivien Tukiet who fly straight from Russia after competing in Universiade in Kazan.

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