DIVING: Poor Third Attempt Sees Zhiayi Finish Fourth

A POOR entry in her third dive in the girls' 3m springboard ended Loh Zhiayi's hopes of a second medal in the Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Nanjing, China yesterday.

Zhiayi, who took silver in Saturday's 10m platform, was positioned third after two attempts with a healthy points difference over fourth-placed South Korean Kim Su Ji. However, a poor 39.20 in her third dive saw the Korean reducing the gap by 1.2 points.

The Malaysian bounced back with a commendable 52.80 series in the final round of competition but it was not enough to finish on the podium as Su Ji leapfrogged her with a superb dive.

China's Shen Yi won the gold medal by posting 240 points followed by compatriot Wang Weijie (236.35) and Su Ji (230.15). Zhiayi, 16, finished fourth on 215.90.

"My poor entry in the third dive ruined everything. I could have finished on the podium. It was a strong field and I tried my best to make an impression," said Zhiayi when contacted in Nanjing yesterday.

"Anyway, I am happy with my performance. I won a silver and this is progress. Hopefully, it will inspire me in upcoming meets."

In the boys' platform, Muhd Nazreen Abdullah finished fifth with a 269.60 total. China's Yue Qi topped the event by amassing 360.95 followed by teammate Zeng Jiajie (344.80), North Korea's Ri Hyanju (317.25) and Hong Kong's Zeng Tian Yi (287.85).

Meanwhile, Malaysia's 11-member squad comprising mostly gold medallists from last year's Malaysia Games in Kuantan, will start their campaign in the swimming competition (16-17 age bracket) in Nanjing today.

Singapore-based Lim Ching Hwang, 17, who made his World Championships debut in Barcelona last month, is expected to shine in the freestyle events.

He is one of the favourites in the 200m freestyle with a personal best of 1:50.42sec, which is faster than the previous AYG winning mark of 1:52.22 set in Singapore in 2009.

Ching Hwang is also expected to shine in the 100m freestyle as he has a personal best of 50.87.

"It is an opportunity to win medals as I will not be eligible for the next AYG. I have a chance to do well," said Ching Hwang recently.

Others in the fray are Wong Fu Kang, Welson Sim, Alwyn Tan, Chris Tan, Tan Rou Ying, Kok Cher Ling, Yap Siew Hui, , Phee Jing En, Nadia Adrianna Redza, and Angela Chieng. By Ajitpal Singh


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