DIVING: Happy With New Partner

AFTER their exploits at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games recently, up and coming diver Nur Dhabitah Sabri is keen on continuing her winning ways with Pandelela Rinong at the Incheon Asian Games next month.

Nur Dhabitah said she has not been told of what plans national coach Yang Zhuliang has in mind for her in South Korea but is hoping to strengthen her combination with the Olympic bronze medallist.

She was unexpectedly selected to partner Pandelela, ahead of veteran Leong Mun Yee, in the women’s 10m platform synchronised event in Scotland.

Despite Nur Dhabitah carrying a hip injury and Pandelela troubled by a nagging knee injury, the duo clinched a respectable third place finish.

“I did not expect to be partnered with Pandelela at the games and I did feel a considerable amount of pressure when I was told that I was paired with her,” said the 15-year-old, when met at an appreciation ceremony yesterday for Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) students that had competed in Glasgow.

“Pandelela is a star and it was somewhat intimidating for me at first as I was not ‘very close’ with her before this.

“But she has proved to be a very good mentor for me. She taught me a lot during our time together and we get along well.

“Although she is a lot more senior than me, she listens to what opinions I have and we discuss a lot about our dives.

“I would definitely like the opportunity to partner her again at the Asian Games but it is up to the coach (Zhuliang) to decide.”

Nur Dhabitah, who partnered Mun Yee to a gold at the Myanmar Sea Games last year, added that the Commonwealth Games was an eye opening experience which has given her the confidence that she can mature into a world class diver.

“My confidence levels were not really that high going into the games as the standard of competition in Glasgow was on a much higher level compared to the Sea Games.

“But our performance there has given me the belief that I can reach that kind of standard. My goal is to win a medal at the Asian Games. It does not matter if it comes in the platform or springboard events.”

The other BJSS students that competed in Glasgow were Yap Sean Yee, Iskandar Alwi (both athletics), Loh Zhiayi (diving), Amy Kwan Dict Weng, Fatin Zakirah Jalany Zain Zalany (both gymnastics), Fatin Shafika Mohd Sukri (hockey), Eddy Chew (shooting), Tern Jian Han, Welson Sim (both swimming) and Lee Rou You (table tennis).

Bukit Jalil Sports School students at the appreciation ceremony yesterday. Pic by Hasriyasyah Sabudin

SWIMMING: Final As Good As A Medal

THE 4x200m team may be the only swimmers in Glasgow on merit but a place in the final will be equivalent to winning a medal.

The team's Sea Games winning time of 7mins 27.32secs — a national record — en route to silver at the 2013 Myanmar Sea Games got them their tickets to the Commonwealth Games but they are already at a disadvantage.

Daniel Bego, who swam a 1:49 split in Myanmar, is not part of the team as he is still nursing his injured shoulder.

“That means we are without the swimmer who swam the fastest leg in the Sea Games and that places us at a disadvantage,” said coach Paul Birmingham at the Games Village yesterday.

Malaysia enter the Games as the sixth fastest outfit and Birmingham said if the 4x200m team can make the final, it will be an achievement.

“We have to contend with some tough teams, with the Australians the clear favourites. There is also the English to worry about and several others.

“Winning a medal would be fantastic but we have to be realistic and aim for our best."

Daniel's place has been taken by Vernon Lee while Lim Ching Hwang, Welson Sim and Kevin Yeap complete the team.

Birmingham, however, said the four have improved on their times since the Sea Games.

“Each is swimming at least one second faster now and that is good for them. Preparations were also smooth till the Malaysia Games came around but we have managed to get some good work in and we will see how it goes.”

(From left) National men’s 4x200m relay team Kevin Yeap, Welson Sim, Vernon Lee and Lim Ching Hwang pose with the Games mascot in Glasgow yesterday.

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BJSS Swimmers In Sync

MALAYSIA'S synchronised swimmers did the country proud by bagging one gold and four silver medals in a regional competition in Singapore recently.

The Southeast Asian Swimming Championships on June 14-24, saw more than 200 athletes from seven countries participating.

Held at the newly-built Aquatic Centre of Singapore's Sports Hub, the inaugural event covered four disciplines -- swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming.

Organisers used the championships to test the new venue's systems and logistics, in preparation for next year's Sea Games.

National synchronised swimming coach Long Yan said: "I'm quite satisfied with the results because most of our team members are young and only had the opportunity to train together for a short time.

"More importantly, I'm happy they adopt a positive attitude in becoming better."

Long Yan, who has been coaching Team Malaysia for five years, acknowledged that rivals Singapore have improved a lot in the past couple of years.

"When you look at the marks in this championship, we're not far off from our rival. We still have time to train hard and come back stronger for next year's SEA Games. We'll definitely step up the pace."

Synchronised swimmers studying at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) in Kuala Lumpur have had a history of success since Long Yan took over the helm in 2009.

She expects them to achieve peak endurance, strength and flexibility. In order to achieve this, they practise six hours a day, five days a week at the Bukit Jalil Aquatic Centre.

Veronica Lee, who is studying at BJSS, admitted it is not easy balancing intensive training with studies and social life.

"When I was first transferred to BJSS three years ago, it was quite stressful.

"We would wake up early in the morning and by 6.45am, we were in the pool. After two hours of training, we had to be ready for school. There was lunch break and then, by 3pm, we had to be back in the pool again.

"We would trained for another four hours, had dinner, and be ready for night classes.

"It was really hectic and tiring. But after a few months, I got used to it," she said.

"Sometimes when I meet up with friends over the weekend, they would ask me about my training schedule."

Veronica acknowledged that the recent competition in Singapore has given her good exposure.

"I'm excited to be able to participate in bigger championships outside Malaysia.

"I got a feel of the venue and crowd reaction. It has been a worthwhile experience for our team as we prepare for next year's Sea Games in Singapore."

Senior team members Katrina Ann Hadi and Tasha Jane Taher Ali, who are far more experienced at international meets, have more immediate goals to achieve.

In setting their sights on the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, in September, Katrina said the right mental attitude is just as important as physical training.

"The important thing is that we give our best and continue to build on the routine we've mastered."

Sylvester Stamps His Mark

SARAWAK'S Sylvester Gaing is well on the footsteps of his idol Bryan Nickson Lomas after notching a commendable double victory on the final day of the Perlis Malaysia Games diving competition.

Sylvester, competing in his third Malaysia Games, clinched the men's individual platform gold with a 276.10 score at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre. Federal Territories' Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya (264.45) and Sabah's Jellson Jabilin (253.05) finished second and third respectively.

He then teamed up with Carlyse Chan to give Sarawak top honours in the 3m springboard synchronised event after managing 334.80, ahead of Selangor's Ahmad Shahrol-Ng Zheng Hao (287.82s) and Perak's Syafiq Puteh-Kua Chee Yeap (275.10) who finished second and third.

The 17-year-old, who earned a call-up to the national backup squad in November but left earlier this year due to personal reasons, said: “I did not expect to win gold here so to get two is a great feeling for me.

“I really look up to Bryan as he is a great diver and is also a Sarawakian from Samarahan. It is a long way to go but I hope I can achieve what he did one day.”

As expected, the women's platform event saw Federal Territrories’ Loh Zhiayi defending her title with a 325.40 score. Perak's Jasmine Lai finished second on 241.10 while Megan Elizabeth Teoh (FT) clinched bronze with 213.95.

Sarawak’s Sylvester Gaing performing his routine in the individual platform at the Malaysia Games yesterday. Pic by Eizairi Shamsudin

Read more: Sylvester stamps his mark - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/sylvester-stamps-his-mark-1.609733#ixzz33SGXfFsd

Records Fall On Final Day

JOHOR’S Tern Jian Han and Selangor's Chan Jie were in fine form on the final day of the Perlis Malaysia Games swimming competition as they both rewrote long-standing games records at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre in Kangar yesterday.
Jian Han clocked two minutes and 7.2 seconds in the men’s 200m backstroke heats to better Alex Lim Keng Liat's (Sabah) 1996 mark of 2:07.27s. He later clinched the gold in the final with a slower 2:09.14s. Sarawak's Alex Tiong (2:11.85s) and Tia'a Fang Der (2:12.55s) took silver and bronze.

Jian Han, who was only one year old when Alex set the record in Pahang, said he was delighted to renew the mark but felt he could have done better in the final.

“I really did not expect to break the record. I just wanted to go out there and give it my best shot,” said the Bukit Jalil Sports School student.

“I pushed myself to do even better in the final but unfortunately I just could not do it.

“I won the 100m backstroke here as well so it has been a good event for me. I want to represent Malaysia in the Asian and Commonwealth Games as well as the World Championships one day."

Chan Jie, who broke the 50m butterfly games record on Saturday, also erased the 100m butterfly mark of 55.27s, set by Daniel Bego (Sarawak) in 1998, when he won the event in 55.04s yesterday. Penang's Alwyn Tan (55.92s) and FT's Keith Lim (56.16s) finished second and third respectively.

Selangor retained their overall title with an 11 gold, 18 silver and 13 bronze haul while Federal Territories finished second on 10 gold, six silver and nine bronze. Sarawak placed third on 9-5-3.

RESULTS: MEN'S — 50m breaststroke: 1 Alwyn Tan (Penang) 23.53s, 2 Chan Yang (Sel) 23.87s, 3 Lim Tsiu Khoon (Sel) 23.92s.

100m butterfly: 1 Chan Jie (Selangor) 55.04s (new games record), 2 Alwyn Tan (Pen) 55.92s, 3 Keith Lim (FT) 56.16s.

200m backstroke: 1 Tern Jian Han (Joh) 2:09.14s (new games record), 2 Alex Tiong (Sar) 2:11.85s, 3 Tia'a Faang Der (Johor) 2:12.55s.

1,500m freestyle: 1 Welson Sim (Sar) 16:18.14s, 2 Yeap Zheng Yang (Sel) 16:33.35s, 3 Wong Jun Bin (FT) 16:37.59s.

WOMEN'S 50m freestyle: 1 Ong Ming Fen (FT) 26.85s, 2 Low Xue Ting (Johor) 27.62s, 3 Koh Jia Yi (Sel) 27.67s.

100m butterfly: 1 Yap Siew Hui (Sel) 1:01.97s, 2 Asmalia Filzati Redzuan (Sel) 1:04.25, 3 Tan Rou Ying (FT) 1:05.52s.

200m backstroke: 1 Chris Tan (Sab) 2:24.24s, 2 Nadia Adrianna Redza (Sel) 2:26.83s, 3 Nita Wong (2:31.14s).

800m freestyle: 1 Angela Chieng (Sar) 9:15.02s, 2 Nadia Adrianna Redza (Sel) 9:19.35s, 3 Ong Ming Fen (FT) 9:24.42s.

Selangor's Chan Jie competes in the 100m butterfly at the Malaysia Games yesterday. Bernama pic

Read more: Records fall on final day - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/records-fall-on-final-day-1.609736#ixzz33SFlKuQi

Scrappy Win For Nur Dhabitah-Zhiayi

NUR Dhabitah Sabri and Loh Zhiayi's long-term partnership again yielded the desired results for Federal Territories (FT) in the Malaysia Games diving competition at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre in Kangar yesterday.

The pair were not at their best but nevertheless proved heads and shoulders above their rivals in the women's platform synchronised event as they clinched gold on a lukewarm 261.78 total score.

Sarawak's Kimberly Bong-Tracia Irene Erik finished second on 193.38 while Selangor's Min Lim-Erica Pan clinched bronze with 157.86.

Nur Dhabitah admitted the duo were not having one of their better days but is happy their partnership continues to remain strong since representing FT at the games in 2008.

The pair won the 3m sprinboard synchronised event at the last games but chose not to compete in the discipline this year. Zhiayi, 15, will defend her platform individual gold today. They are limited to two events each as they had both won medals at the Myanmar Sea Games last year.

“This is our fourth Malaysia Games together and we have always been partners since the first one,” said 15-year-old Nur Dhabitah, whose grandmother Che Dara Daud, 88, has always come to support her in every local competition.

Nur Dhabitah had earlier defended her title in the 3m springboard individual event, winning with a 298.90 score. Selangor's Adeline Chin finished second on 244.65 while Perak's Jasmine Lai (223.65) clinched bronze.

The men’s 1m sprinboard saw Perak’s Muhammad Syafiq Puteh win with a 319.10 total while Selangor’s Chew Yiwei (317.60) took silver. Carlyse Chan of Sarawak finished third on 315.70.


Read more: Scrappy win for Nur Dhabitah-Zhiayi - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/scrappy-win-for-nur-dhabitah-zhiayi-1.609226#ixzz33SIYTclS

Flying Day For Chan Jie

SELANGOR'S Chan Jie was the standout swimmer on a bountiful day for the state in the Perlis Malaysia Games yesterday.

Chan Jie powered to the men's 50m butterfly gold in a games record time of 25.13 seconds at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre in Kangar.

The 19-year-old had earlier broken Foo Jian Beng's (Selangor) 25.76s mark, set in 2008, during the heats when he clocked 25.36s.

His brother, Chan Yang, 20, took the silver in 25.22s while Penang's Alwyn Tan finished third on 25.34s.

Chan Jie, who in the past has turned down offers to represent the country, said he was delighted to win his first individual gold medal at the Malaysia Games after only emerging victorious in the 4x100m medley relay in Pahang.

"To be honest, I did expect to get the games record here today but am a bit disappointed I missed out on breaking my personal best of 25.10s." said the Sunway University ACCA student.

Selangor bagged five gold medals in the competition yesterday and also broke the men's 4x100m freestyle relay record.

Selangor (Chan Jie, Shaun Yap, Lim Tsiu Khoon, Yeap Zhen Yang) emerged victorious in 3:30.39s, beating the state’s own games record of 3:34.11s set two years ago.

Sarawak's Welson Sim, Allister Chung, Vernon Lee and Ngu Jiung Wei and Penang (Dylan Wong, Soo Ye Xang, Lim Yunn Fu, Alwyn Tan) finished in second and third on 3:35.13s and 3:36.02s.

Selangor also took gold in the 50m butterfly via Yap Siew Hui, 200m breaststroke through Nadia Adrianna Redza as well as the women's 4x100m freestyle relay.

RESULTS — Men's 50m butterfly: 1 Chan Jie (Sel) 25.13s (new games record), 2 Chan Yang (Sel) 25.22s, 3 Alwyn Tan (Pen) 25.34s.

100m backstroke: 1 Tern Jian Han (Joh) 57.69s, 2 Wong Tzi Rok (Sel) 1:00.18s, 3 Alex Tiong (Sar) 1:00.81s.

200m breaststroke: 1 Wong Fu Kang (Joh) 2:21.20s, 2 Ng Yi Hao (FT) 2:24.38s, 3 Shaun Yap (Sel) 2:26.15s.

400m freestyle: 1 Vernon Lee (Sar) 4:00.45s, 2 Yeap Zheng Yang (Sel) 4:01.23s, 3 Wong Jun Bin (FT) 4:14.08s.

4x100m freestyle relay men: 1 Selangor 3:30.39s (new games record), 2 Sarawak 3:35.13s, 3 Penang 3:36.02s.

Women's 50m butterfly: 1 Yap Siew Hui (Sel) 27.93s, 2 Ruth Chuah (Pen) 28.78s, 3 Asmalia Filzati Redzuan (Sel) 28.98s.

100m backstroke: 1 Chris Tan (Sab) 1:07.04s, 2 Caroline Chan (Sel) 1:07.23s, 3 Nadia Adrianna Redza (Sel) 1:10.08s.

200m breaststroke: 1 Nadia Adrianna Redza (Sel) 2:38.85s, 2 Phee Jinq En (Sel) 2:39.01s, 3 Gan Xin Jie (Pen) 2:46.60s.

400m freestyle: 1 Ong Ming Fen (FT) 4:25.57s, 2 Angela Chieng (Sar) 4:26.24s, 3 Asmalia Filzati Redzuan (Sel) 4:33.68s.

4x100m freestyle relay: 1 Selangor 4:00.43s, 2 Federal Territories 4:03.14s, 3 Sabah 4:03.95s.

Chan Jie in action in the 50m butterfly yesterday. Bernama pic

Read more: Flying day for Chan Jie - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/flying-day-for-chan-jie-1.609215#ixzz33SHf3VoT

Super Shaun

SELANGOR’S Shaun Yap lived up to his reputation as the fastest short distance breaststroker in the country when he successfully defended his 50m breastroke title at the Perlis Malaysia Games swimming competition yesterday.

Shaun broke his own Games record of 29.52s set in Pahang, when he powered to victory in a time of 29.43s at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre ahead of long-time rival Wong Fu Kang (29.48s) of Johor.

Perlis’ Adam Faris Tan finished third in 30.02s.

Shaun, 19, who also owns the national mark of 28.69s, said he was happy to get the win but stressed that he still had unfinished business to attend to.

“It feels great to defend my title but I guess I could have swam faster. I was hoping to get a new personal best here,” said the Help Academy student.

“I lost to Fu Kang yesterday (Thursday) in the 100m breaststroke so it is also good to beat him today (yesterday).”

Sarawak’s Vernon Lee, Ngu Jiung Wei, Alex Tiong and Welson Sim were also in record breaking form in the men’s 4x200m freestyle as they powered to victory in 7:47.31sto erase their own Games mark of 7:50.29s, set two years ago.

RESULTS — Men’s 50m backstroke: 1 Ian James Barr (FT) 27.05s, 2 Keith Lim (FT) 27.48s, 3 Wong Tzi Rok (Sel) 27.79s; 

50m breaststroke: 1 Shaun Yap (Sel) 29.43s, 2 Wong Fu Kang (Joh) 29.48s, 3 Adam Faris Tan (Per) 30.02s; 

200m freestyle: 1 Welson Sim (Sar) 1:52.72s, 2 Yeap Zheng Yang (Sel) 1:53.04s, 3 Wong Jun Bin (FT) 1:57.32s; 

200m individual medley: 1 Ian James Barr (FT) 2:07.78s, 2 Wong Fu Kang (Joh) 2:12.12s, 3 Alwyn Tan (Pg) 2:12.27s;

 4x200m freestyle relay: 1 Sarawak 7:47.31s, 2 Selangor 7:57.29s, 3 Penang 8:01.95s.

Women’s 50m backstroke: 1 Caroline Chan (Sel) 30.54s, 2 Chris Tan (Sab) 31.90s, 3 Tan Rou Ying (FT) 31.97s;

 50m breaststroke: 1 Christina Loh (FT) 33.55s, 2 Phee En Jinq (Sel) 33.68s, 3 Koh Jia Yi (Sel) 34.11s; 

200m freestyle: 1 Ong Ming Fen (FT) 2:05.93s, 2 Chris Tan (Sab) 2:08.06s, 3 Angela Chieng (Sar) 2:08.61s; 

200m individual medley: 1 Erika Kong (Sar) 2:22.47s, 2 Ong Ming Fen (FT) 2:23.27s, 3 Nadia Adrianna Redza (Sel) 2:24.29s; 

4x200m freestyle relay: 1 Sarawak 8:46.99s, 2 Sabah 8:48.60s, 3 Selangor 8:48.96s.

Selangor’s Shaun Yap in action in the men’s 50m breaststroke at the Malaysia Games yesterday. Bernama pic

Read more: Super Shaun - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/super-shaun-1.608539#ixzz33SKccA7j

Yiwei Dreaming Of Rio

NATIONAL diver Chew Yiwei is still good for another Malaysia Games campaign but he is hoping his appearance in Perlis this week will be his last.
The 19-year-old was not at his best in the men’s 3m springboard at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre in Kangar yesterday but his 64.50, 49.50, 66.00, 70.50, 66.30 and 72.85 series for a 389.65 total was nevertheless enough for him to ease to the gold.

Perak’s Muhammad Syafiq Puteh was second (328.00) while Federal Territories’ (FT) Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya clinched bronze with a 316.00 effort.

Yiwei, a bronze medallist in the event at the Myanmar Sea Games last year, said he was delighted to defend the title he won in Pahang despite a nervous performance.

“I was quite nervous as all eyes were on me as a national diver and also the defending champion. It is my first local competition for two years (since last Malaysia Games),” said Yiwei.

“I am happy to defend my title here. In terms of age I can still compete at the next Malaysia Games but I hope this will be my last.

“The Rio Olympics will be held at the same time as the next Games and I really want to be competing there and will be working hard to qualify for it.”

The Klang-born diver, who is competing in his fourth Malaysia Games in Perlis, added that he is hoping to sign off with a gold in the 1m springboard today.

The men’s 10m platform synchro event saw Perak duo Chee Yeap Kua-Muhammad Syafiq take the gold on 303.78 with Selangor’s Farez Izzudin Shuhaimi-Zheng Yuan Ng finishing second (263.91).

Sarawak’s Enrique Harold-Leo Ah Boon Daniel (245.01) took the bronze.

The women’s 3m springboard synchronised gold also went to Perak as Kam Ling Kar-Jasmine Lai won with a 254.94 total. FT’s Ong Ker Ying-Megan Elizabeth Teoh was second on 206.52 while Sabah’s Nur Ain Nadzmi-Nirfazuyanti Jali clinched bronze with 163.74.

The women’s 1m springboard and 10m platform synchronised will also be held today.


Read more: Yiwei dreaming of Rio - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/yiwei-dreaming-of-rio-1.607837#ixzz33SMeqD8v

Christina Lights Up Lanes

CLASSY: Sets new meet record en route to 100m breaststroke title

FEDERAL Territories Christina Loh was the only notable performer on a day of high drama at the Perlis Malaysia Games swimming competition yesterday.

Christina, competing in her fourth Malaysia Games, successfully defended her title in the women’s 100 metre breaststroke after clocking one minute 12.23 seconds at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre.

Her time bettered the previous Games record of 1:12.41s that she herself had set en route to winning in Pahang two years ago.

Selangor’s Phee Jinq En finished second on 1:13.03s while Penang’s Gan Xin Jie (1:15.36s) clinched the bronze.

Christina said she was satisfied with her performance considering the circumstances leading up to the first day of competition.

“There was just so much drama here from not knowing where we were to swim to not having a place to practice properly and today (yesterday) with the roof coming down,” said the 19-year-old multiple Sea Games gold medallist.

“The water was a bit warm since this is an outdoor event and it is not really my favourite. It is also quite murky and I could not see more than five metres.

“It was not really my goal to set a really fast time here as we (national team swimmers) did not taper for this event.

“I would have liked to have gone faster but getting the Games record is not bad considering the conditions.”

She later teamed up with Tan Rou Ying, Ong Ming Fen and Mak Ai Sin to help FT take silver in the women’s 4x100m medley in a time of 4:29.81s.

Selangor’s Caroline Chan, Yap Siew Hui, Phee En Jinq and Kok Cher Ling won in 4:23.24s while Sabah (Chris Tan, Baveliana Wong, Freda Pan, Heng Kor Jin) clinched bronze on 4:35.67s.

Christina, who is limited to two individual events as she is a Sea Games medallist, will swim in the 50m breaststroke today.

Christina Loh defended her title in the women’s 100 metre breaststroke yesterday.

Read more: Christina lights up lanes - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/christina-lights-up-lanes-1.607840#ixzz33SLVqEyT

Jasmine Wins Friendly Rivalry

PERAK diver Jasmine Lai (pic) held steady to lead a 1-2 finish for the state in the women’s 1m springboard individual event at the Perlis Malaysia Games yesterday.

The defending champion’s 50.40, 50.70, 46.00, 48.00 and 47.25 series for a 242.35 total was enough to see her edge teammate at both state and national level, Kam Ling Kar (239.85) to the gold at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre in Kangar. Selangor’s Adeline Chin scored 227.45 total to finish third.

Jasmine and Ling Kar had on Thursday won the 3m springboard synchronised gold.

The 19-year-old, who is competing in her fourth Malaysia Games, said she was delighted to help Perak add to their tally in what was a tough event for her. Ling Kar was visibly disappointed with her performance and was teary-eyed during the prize giving ceremony.

“Ling Kar and I have been friends since we were 10 when we used to train together at the Aquatics Complex in Ipoh,” said the Bukit Jalil Sports School student.

“We are teammates in the synchro events but there are times when we have to compete against each other, like this.

“It can be tough but we always wish each other the best of luck before a competition and remain friends no matter the outcome.”

The duo had finished fifth in the 3m springboard at the Mexico leg of the World Diving Grand Prix earlier this month.

Jasmine, who won two gold in Pahang, added that she is hoping to also emerge victorious in the 3m springboard individual as well as the synchronised platform partnering Ling Kar. Both events will be held today.

The men’s 1m sprinboard and women’s platform individual events, initially scheduled for yesterday, were postponed to today and tomorrow respectively.


Read more: Jasmine wins friendly rivalry - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/jasmine-wins-friendly-rivalry-1.608536#ixzz33SJhMDAT

DIVING: Nazreen's Malaysia Day Joy

MUHD Nazreen Abdullah earned a breakthrough on Malaysia Day by winning his first career individual senior title in the Asian Diving Cup at Toa Payoh Swimming Complex in Singapore yesterday.

Despite competing against several experienced divers, the 14-year-old showed nerves of steel to win the men's 10m platform gold medal by posting a six-dive total of 345.05 points.

Singapore's Jonathan Chan finished second with a 320.65 total with Indonesia's Adityo Restu taking bronze on 229.50.

Adeline Chin added a silver to Malaysia's tally in the women's 3m springboard individual with a 222.80 series to finish behind Singapore's Fong Kay Yian (238.10).

It was Nazreen's second gold medal in the meet. On Saturday, the Malaysia Games medallist partnered Mohd Danial Sabri to win the men's 10m platform synchro title. Nazreen's performance offers hope following the retirements of Bryan Nickson Lomas, Yeoh Ken Nee and Huang Qiang.

The diver finished fifth at the Asian Youth Games in Nanjing and ninth at the World Junior Championships in Adelaide, both last month.

National coach Yang Zhuliang was delighted with his second stringers' achievements in Singapore as they won five of eight titles to become overall champions at the biennial meet.

Other gold medals came from the women's platform (Nur Dhabitah Sabri), platform synchro (Nur Dhabital-Trasie Vivien Tukiet) and 3m springboard synchro (Jasmine Lai-Kam Ling Kar).

The Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) used the competition to give the junior divers vital exposure.

"They may need two or three years of exposure before we can see their progress. They are being groomed for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro," said ASUM secretary Edwin Chong.

The divers will return to Kuala Lumpur and resume preparation for December's Sea Games in Myanmar. By Ajitpal Singh

Read more: DIVING: Nazreen's Malaysia Day joy - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-nazreen-s-malaysia-day-joy-1.357561#ixzz2gAMS9lII

DIVING: Second Gold for Nur Dhabitah

ASIAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS: 14-year-old edges Zhiayi in the 10m platform as Jasmine-Ling Kar win 3m springboard

NUR Dhabitah Sabri bagged a second title in the Asian Diving Cup by edging compatriot and Asian Youth Championships silver medallist Loh Zhiayi in the women's 10m platform at Toa Payoh Swimming Complex in Singapore yesterday.

A double gold medallist at last year's Malaysia Games in Kuantan, Nur Dhabitah, who partnered Traisy Vivien to the 10m platform synchro gold on Saturday, posted a 274.45 total to edge Zhiayi by 0.75 points for the win. Indonesia's Yasmin Linadina finished third on 233.90.

Malaysia won a second gold yesterday through Jasmine Lai-Kam Ling Kar in the women's 3m springboard synchro.

It was a close battle between the two Sea Games-bound divers but Nur Dhabitah, who has mastered high degree of difficult (DD) in training, managed to overcome Zhiayi in the final fifth dive with a near-perfect execution.

Nur Dhabitah, whose last international was the recent World Grand Prix leg in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the US, is regarded as the next best thing after Olympic bronze medallist Pandelela Rinong in platform diving.

The 14-year-old has a combined five-dive DD of 16 (3.0, 3.2, 3.2, 3.3, 3.3) compared to Pandelela's 15.5. However, the youngster, who was promoted to the elite squad in February, is still inconsistent.

Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia secretary Edwin Chong said Nur Dhabitah's encouraging performance in Singapore is attributed to her hard work in training.

"She has improved a lot but still needs to fine tune her routines. If she continues with her form, she will become a good diver," said Edwin yesterday.

In the 3m springboard synchro, Jasmine-Ling Kar posted a combined 248.16 total for the title followed by Singapore's Fong Kay Yian-Myra Lee (227.34) and Indonesia's Eka Purname-Dewi Setyaningsih (215.91).

Mohd Danial Sabri and Mohd Nazreen finished fifth and seventh respectively in the men's 3m springboard event.

Malaysia have now won four of five titles in the Asian Cup with three events left.

Read more: DIVING: Second gold for Nur Dhabitah - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-second-gold-for-nur-dhabitah-1.356852#ixzz2gANTkiAy

DIVING: Sabri Siblings Shine In Singapore

ASIAN DIVING CUP: Second stringers make their mark

THE Sabri siblings, Mohd Danial and Nur Dhabitah led Malaysia to a bright start on the opening day of the Asian Diving Cup with two gold medals at Toa Payoh Swimming Complex in Singapore yesterday.

Sea Games-bound Nur Dhabitah and Olympian Traisy Vivien Tukiet bagged the women's 10m platform synchro with a 2.77.98 series followed by Indonesia (224.22) and Singapore (189,42).

Dhabitah's elder brother Mohd Danial partnered Mohd Nazreen for the men's 10m platform synchro title by posting 316.83 points ahead of second-placed Singapore (273.24).

Malaysia are represented by their second stringers (who are being groomed for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro) in the biennial event, which has attracted only four nations, including Hong Kong.

World and Olympic champions China and Japan did not send their divers.

Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) secretary Edwin Chong said the event serves as a platform to gauge the national divers, who will be making their debut in December's Sea Games in Myanmar.

"Singapore and Indonesia are represented by their Sea Games squads.

"We picked only juniors as they do not have many events on their calendar," said Edwin yesterday.

"For Dhabitah, this is her second international senior outing after the World Grand Prix leg in Fort Lauderdale this year.

"We need them to gain experience at the continental level and also for the coaches to know what needs to be improved."

Two years ago in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia who were then represented by Pandelela Rinong, Leong Mun Yee, Bryan Nickson Lomas and Yeoh Ken Nee, won three gold.

Nur Dhabitah

Read more: DIVING: Sabri siblings shine in Singapore - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-sabri-siblings-shine-in-singapore-1.356089#ixzz2gALdui9p

DIVING: ASUM Gets Tough With Traisy

TRAISY Vivien Tukiet's days in the national squad are numbered following the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia's (ASUM) decision to drop the Kuching-born from December's Sea Games in Myanmar.

The 18-year-old's exclusion was expected as the diver has failed to progress despite being in the national elite squad for several years.

The former Asian Junior bronze medallist was given the ultimatum to perform at the World Championships in Barcelona in July but she failed miserably, finishing 30th in the 10m platform.

The Olympian is best known for winning the platform synchro gold medal with Pandelela Rinong at the 2011 Indonesia Sea Games, where Malaysia won seven of eight titles.

ASUM, which is using the Sea Games as a platform to expose some juniors, has picked 16-year-old Loh Zhiayi and 14-year-old Nur Dhabitah Sabri to complement its 12-member full-strength squad.

Zhiayi, a silver medallist at last month's Asian Youth Games in Nanjing, is a rising platform diver while Nur Dhabitah bagged several titles at last year's Southeast Asian meet in Singapore.

ASUM had initially wanted to pick a bigger squad but the hosts have limited each team to only 12 divers - six men and six women.

"We have also included our best divers with Pandelela, Leong Mun Yee, Cheong Jun Hoong and Wendy Ng all in the list.

Zhiayi and Nur Dhabitah are being groomed for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro," said ASUM secretary Edwin Chong yesterday.

The men's squad will comprise only five divers -- Ooi Tze Liang, Muhd Amsyar Azman, Chew Yi Wei, Danial Sabri and Muhd Nazreen Abdullah -- following the retirements of Yeoh Ken Nee, Bryan Nickson Lomas and Huang Qiang.

Daniel, Nazreen, Zhiayi and Dhabitah will compete in the Asian Diving Cup in Singapore this weekend.

Meanwhile, Malaysia will host one leg of the Diving Grand Prix next year if FINA, the world body for the sport, agrees to ASUM's suggestion to organise it next October.

FINA invited ASUM to organise the competition this year but it was unable to accept as the end-job of the recent upgrading work on the platform at the centre had a slight defect.

"We will discuss with the organisers during the weekend's Asia Diving Cup," Edwin added.

The last time Malaysia hosted a major FINA event was the World Junior Championships seven years ago in Bukit Jalil. By Ajitpal Singh


Read more: DIVING: ASUM gets tough with Traisy - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-asum-gets-tough-with-traisy-1.352658#ixzz2eSpuyPq2

DIVING: Only A Limited Role

SEA GAMES: Pandelela will compete in just 10m platform as coach wants juniors to gain exposure

OLYMPIC bronze medallist Pandelela Rinong will lead Malaysia's 12-member diving squad for December's Sea Games in Myanmar.

Pandelela, however, will only defend her gold medal in the women's 10m platform as coach Yang Zhuliang wants the juniors to compete in other events to gain exposure.

Zhuliang has also named Ooi Tze Liang, Leong Mun Yee, Wendy Ng and Cheong Jun Hoong for the biennial Games.

Malaysia, ranked second to Olympic champions China in Asia, won seven of eight gold medals in the 2011 Palembang Sea Games.

Zhuliang made an about-turn regarding his Sea Games selection as the coach had initially wanted only juniors.

"I am sending my best team because our newly-promoted elite divers are not yet on par. They are not quite ready to achieve the Sea Games target," said Zhuliang recently.

"As one of the best teams in Asia, we need to make an impact in the Sea Games. I want a clean sweep this time."

Chew Yiwei, Muhd Amsyar Ahmad, Mohd Danial Sabri, Mohd Nazreen Abdullah, Loh Zhiayi, Nur Dhabitah Sabri, Adeline Chin, Jasmine Lai and Kam Ling Kar are among the juniors being considered for the Sea Games.

"Our juniors have potential and I am grooming them towards qualification for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

"They have shown progress but are still lacking in some aspects. The Sea Games will be a perfect avenue for them to gauge their form," said Zhuliang.

Malaysia should dominate the women's events in Myanmar but could face difficulties in defending three of four gold in the men's section following the retirements of three-time Olympian Bryan Nickson Lomas, Yeoh Ken Nee and Huang Qiang.

Zhuliang, however, cannot select a big squad for the Sea Games as each nation is only allowed 12 divers -- six men and six women.

With Pandelela, Wendy, Jun Hoong and Mun Yee in the fray, the juniors will fight for the remaining two spots in the women's team at the Asian Cup, scheduled for Sept 13-15, in Singapore.

Zhuliang will not face an issue in naming his men's team as he has only five divers.

Pandelela Rinong will lead a 12-member squad to Myanmar for the Sea Games in December.

Read more: DIVING: Only a limited role - Columnist - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/diving-only-a-limited-role-1.348207#ixzz2gAQyUb8v

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


Read more: DIVING: Poor third attempt sees Zhiayi finish fourth - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-poor-third-attempt-sees-zhiayi-finish-fourth-1.340073#ixzz2cNjEerH8

DIVING: Costly Mistake

LOH Zhiayi clinched her second international individual medal, a silver, at the Asian Youth Games in Nanjing, China yesterday.

Zhiayi, who is being groomed for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, posted a decent 235.50 total to finish second in the girls' 10m platform behind North Korea's Song Nam Hyang, who garnered 247.60 points.

China's Zheng Qi, who topped the preliminary round, finished third on 231.43.

The Malaysian, however, could have won the title if not for a costly mistake.

As the 16-year-old lined up to execute her final attempt from an armstand position, disaster struck.

Zhiayi went off balance and this led to points deducted on the retake. She earned only 43.20 points, and it affected her overall score.

"So near, yet so far. I had points deducted because I could not balance myself on the platform. I retook it.

"Nonetheless, I have achieved my target of a medal, so I am satisfied with second place," said Zhiayi when contacted in Nanjing yes terday.

"It is definitely a motivation ahead of tomorrow's 3m springboard."

Zhiayi, who rose to fame by bagging two gold medals at last year's Malaysia Games in Kuantan, was promoted to the national elite squad in January.

She won her first individual medal, a silver (platform individual), at the Sea Aquatic Championships in Singapore before clinching bronze with Cheong Jun Hoong in platform synchro, both last year.

In the boys' 3m springboard, Muhd Danial Sabri finished fourth with a 305.70 series.

China's Zheng Zhiqun won the gold by posting 377.75 followed by compatriot Huang Bowen (359.55) and Hong Kong's Zeng Tian Yi (366.10).

LOH ZHIAYI

Read more: DIVING: Costly mistake - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-costly-mistake-1.339712#ixzz2cNkEIjOc

DIVING: Back-ups' Chance To Shine In Nanjing

DEBUTANTS: Three out to impress coach for ticket to Myanmar

WITH an eye on making their debut in December's Sea Games in Myanmar, back-up divers Loh Zhiayi, Mohd Nazreen Abdullah and Muhd Danial Sabri are eager to make an impact at the Asian Youth Games (AYG) starting today in Nanjing.

National coach Yang Zhuliang will use the two-day diving competition and the Asian Cup on Sept 25-30 to gauge the divers' form before finalising his Sea Games squad.

Danial will start his campaign today in the boys' springboard along with Zhiayi in the girls' platform. The Taiping-born Zhiayi is also down for the springboard and Nazreen in the boys' platform the following day.

"The trio have been showing progress both in training and in competitions.

"The recent stint in China has raised their confidence and self belief but they still lack the experience," said Zhuliang yesterday.

"They are divers with talent and I am confident they will be able to push for Olympic qualification in the future. As for now, they are still far behind."

"At the moment, they are inconsistent and I am unsure whether they can win titles in the Sea Games.

"However, they can prove me wrong in this tournament."

Regarded as the next big star in Malaysian diving, Zhiayi, 16, who finished fifth at last year's World Junior Championships in Adelaide, is the country's best bet for a medal in Nanjing.

She has been training diligently to increase her DD (degree of difficulty) in the last few months and hopes to impress in the AYG.

At the last AYG in Singapore four years ago, Malaysia won only a bronze through sailing due to the withdrawal of almost the entire contingent following the H1N1 outbreak.

Loh Zhiayi

Read more: DIVING: Back-ups' chance to shine in Nanjing - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-back-ups-chance-to-shine-in-nanjing-1.339234#ixzz2cNmeqEvL

DIVINGP: Synchro Pair Ranked Third

PANDELELA Rinong and Leong Mun Yee concluded the diving season ranked third in the world following a string of successes in the women's 3-metre springboard synchro.

Pandelela-Mun Yee, who took bronze at the recent World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona, garnered 37.67 points behind champions China (40.00 points) and Canada (38.00).

The rankings only take into account each pair's or diver's three best results.

Pandelela-Mun Yee, who improved from last year's seventh spot, also made an impact on the six-leg World Series and the World Grand Prix, claiming four silver medals in total.

The pair's performance is a good sign ahead of next year's Asian Games and Commonwealth Games followed by the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Pandelela, a bronze medallist at the London Olympics, was ranked fourth in the 10m platform.

Despite missing the opening three months due to an ankle injury, Pandelela rose to the occasion by finishing second overall in the World Series with one bronze.

China's world champion Si Yajie topped the rankings with 40 points followed by compatriot Chen Ruolin (39.33) and Ukrainian Yulia Propkopchuk (38.00).

In the 3m springboard, Wendy Ng, a semi-finalist at the world meet, broke into the top 20 for the first time by finishing 19th ahead of teammate Cheong Jun Hoong (20th).

Ooi Tze Liang-Ahmad Amsyar finished the season ranked eighth in the men's 3m springboard synchro.

National coach Yang Zhuliang said his divers must strive for greater success next season.

"It is a great achievement as being ranked highly will spur my divers.

"However, they must train harder if they hope of becoming Olympic medallists," said Zhuliang recently.

The divers will next participate in the Asian Cup, a non-ranking event, scheduled for Sept 13-15 in Singapore, ahead of the Myanmar Sea Games. By Ajitpal Singh

Read more: DIVINGP: Synchro pair ranked third - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/divingp-synchro-pair-ranked-third-1.337254#ixzz2gAQ59w00