DIVER Chew Yiwei blew his chances of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics following a mistake during the men’s 3m springboard individual event at the Asian Cup in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
The Malaysian was the favourite but unfortunately, he messed up his fifth dive and ended up with only a silver medal. Japan’s Ken Terauchi took the title and the Olympic spot.
Yiwei, who has been struggling with a left knee injury this year, said: “I am disappointed because I had put in a lot of effort to prepare for this competition.
“I suffered a knee injury before the World Championships (July). I was forced to alter my training programme as my knee was swollen. I also could not do strength training.
“I have not been at my fittest but have been managing the injury reasonably well with the help of the National Sports Institute.
“In the event, I messed up my fifth dive. I just lost focus and I think that cost me the (Olympic) slot.
“To get four (score from judges) was devastating.”
The 23-year-old is, however, confident of securing an Olympic spot at the World Cup in Tokyo on April 21-26 next year.
“I will need to reach the semi-finals in the World Cup to qualify for the Olympics,” he added.