Malaysia divers use Singapore platform for Olympics
The focus of the national association, Malaysia Aquatics (MAS), is on developing new pairings and long-term strategies.
It also serves as a build-up for the Bangkok SEA Games in December.
At the world meet, Malaysia will depend on two new pairings — the men's synchro 10m platform duo of Enrique Harold Maccartney and Elvis Priestly Clement, and the women's synchro of veteran Pandelela Rinong and newcomer Lee Yiat Qing.
In the men's competition, MAS diving technical director Yeoh Ken Nee, however, is managing expectations despite an impressive showing at the national trials in May.
"Even though they broke the 400-point barrier, that was during a national trial. We have to consider the judging of international judges," said Ken Nee.
"This is their first time pairing at this level, so we'll observe how they perform at the World Championships."
This approach also applies to the women's 10m synchro pairing, which brings together veteran Pandelela and debutante Yiat Qing.
MAS' main goal is to assess their partnership and competitiveness against the sport's elite.
However, expectations shift when it comes to Pandelela's individual event. As a two-time Olympic medallist, her targets are results-driven.
"For a diver like Pandelela, we have expectations. Her KPI is essentially to make the final at least."
MAS' dual-approach is to foster a pressure-free environment for emerging partnerships while maintaining high standards for its established stars.
"We don't yet know if these new pairs can be consistent at international level. For now, it's all about evaluating where they stand.
Ultimately, success for Malaysia's diving team in Singapore will not be measured by podium finishes, but by the insights it offers into the nation's long-term Olympic programme — for both its new talents and its seasoned campaigners.
MALAYSIA'S DIVING SQUAD
MEN: Syafiq Puteh (3m springboard individual), Enrique Harold Maccartney (10m platform individual and synchro), Elvis Priestly Clement (10m platform individual and synchro), Nurqayyum Nazmi Nazim (1m springboard, 3m springboard synchro), Yong Rui Jie (1m springboard, 3m springboard synchro).
Pandelela Rinong (10m platform synchro and individual), Lee Yiat Qing (10m platform synchro and individual).
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