Zhuliang Hopes For A Repeat Of Rome Feat

Dynamic duo: Pandelela Rinong (left) and Chong Jun Hoong during a training session ahead of the FINA World Championships in Barcelona on Friday. — GLENN GUAN / The Star

AN awesome natural sight awaits spectators and divers alike at the World Aquatics Championships diving venue located on the Montjuic Hill, overlooking the city of Barcelona.

The question is: Will the performance of the Malaysian divers be as spectacular as the scenic backdrop of this historic city?

That, at least, is what head coach Yang Zhuliang is hoping for when the competition gets under way today.

London Olympic bronze medallist Pandelela Rinong will partner Cheong Jun Hoong in the women’s 3m springboard synchro preliminary with hopes of making it to the final later in the day while Ahmad Amsyar and Chew Yiwei are hoping to make a good impression in the 1m springboard event.

The team have been practising at the outdoor venue for the last three days and Zhuliang is keeping his fingers crossed that the divers will be able to produce a repeat of the 2009 outing in Rome.

Then, Pandelela and Mun Yee made a historic breakthrough for Malaysia with a bronze in 10m platform synchro – the country’s only success at the world meet so far.

Malaysia did not win any medals at the previous world meet in Shanghai two years ago although Pandelela finished an impressive fifth in the individual platform discipline.

Pandelela has complained of back che upon arrival in Barcelona but Zhuliang is not overly concerned although his main diver has the most taxing schedule of three events compared to the rest of the divers.

Besides the 3m springboard synchro, Pandelela will partner Leong Mun Yee in the 10m platform synchro as well as the individual.

“There are no big injury worries ... otherwise it will be a headache for me as we are here with a small team. Pandelela feels a bit uncomfortable with her back but the doctor has been taking good care of the situation.

“It is an old problem, she always has it (some pain) here and there but she’s a strong girl and can handle it,” said Zhuliang, who is hoping for the best from the duo today.