MALAYSIA should be represented on the podium at the conclusion of today's women's 10m platform synchro but it may not necessarily be Pandelela Rinong.
Although Pandelela and Leong Mun Yee won the silver in the 2010 edition, the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) has decided to split the pair for the event in Glasgow, which serves as the curtain raiser for diving in the Commonwealth Games.
ASUM's reason is simple — Mun Yee, partnering Cheong Jun Hoong, won silver at the World Cup in Shanghai on July 17 and team officials have decided that it is best to stick with a winning pair in a competition which will feature a world class lineup.
“It is best to stick with a winning pair, especially as Canada, Australia and England are featuring the same divers who finished third, fourth and fifth in the World Cup,” said Chong yesterday.
Malaysia finished behind China in the World Cup and, based on form, Mun Yee-Jun Hoong could be even celebrating a gold medal today.
“It won’t be easy as the points difference between us and the fifth-placed team in Shanghai was just eight points."
Mun Yee-Jun Hoong scored 336.66 points to edge Canada's Meaghan Benfeito-Roseline Filion (335.25) for the silver in Shanghai. Australia's Rachel Bugg-Melissa Wu scored 331.44 while England's Tonia Couch-Sarah Barrow registered 328.56.
“In diving, one mistake can see an athlete dropping from the top spot to being out of the medals and our divers must make sure their performances are error free. We have a chance but the colour of the medal will depend on the performance of the day.”
Pandelela will also feature in the 10m platform synchro, partnering Nur Dhabitah Sabri.
“We have withdrawn her from the 3m springboard synchro (also scheduled for today) as we do not want to aggravate her injury (left knee).
“She only resumed training two days after arriving in Shanghai, hence the decision for her to only feature in the 10m platform individual in the World Cup.
“She is recovering but is not 100 per cent yet but we are hopeful she will be able to perform to her normal standard.”
Pandelela will be defending the 10m platform individual gold she won in New Delhi, with the event scheduled for tomorrow.