THE stage is set for Pandelela Rinong to brush aside speculation of her injury when the diver competes in the Malaysian leg of the World Grand Prix at National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil today.
The Olympic bronze medallist has had a problematic season following a left knee injury, sustained during training in China in June.
The 21-year-old is now determined to make a huge impression in today’s women’s 10m platform individual.
Pandelela, however, will not only have to worry about divers from China but also compatriot Loh Zhiayi, who finished ahead of the former Commonwealth Games champion, at the recent Asian Games in Incheon.
The 17-year-old Zhiayi wants to consolidate her position as the best local woman diver in platform but Pandelela, who is still bothered by the injury, is not expected to give up easily.
Zhiayi showed that her fourth placing in the Asian Games was not a fluke when she returned with a bronze medal in the same event in last week’s leg in Singapore.
China have three quality divers in the platform in Singapore leg winner and world champion Si Yajie, national champion Ren Qian and 13-year-old Ji Siyu.
“China have a lot of quality platform divers. However, my focus is only on my dives,” said Pandelela, who tried out the venue yesterday.
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ooi Tze Liang and Ahmad Amsyar Azman will compete in men’s 3m springboard individual today.
Tze Liang is determined to end his season with a fine performance as the Penang-born has been struggling with his form since winning in Glasgow.
The focus will be on Cheong Jun Hoong the following day in the women’s 3m springboard individual, the event she won in Singapore last week.
“The win in Singapore was my best this season as I overcame two China divers for the gold. I will try my best in the Malaysian leg,” said Jun Hoong. By Ajitpal Singh