Jun Hoong’s anxious wait for glory
AFTER a long and anxious wait at the Danube Arena in Budapest on Wednesday, Cheong Jun Hoong has found herself with the reputation as the world’s best diver in her category.
The 27-year-old Malaysian was leading the field in the 10m platform individual final after the fifth dive and was waiting for China’s Si Yajie and Ren Qian to complete their final attempts at the World Championships.
Jun Hoong initially did not even care to keep track of her scores on the scoreboard.
The Perakian only did so while getting prepared for her last dive and saw her name on the top.
She then realised that she was on the brink of creating a historic feat.
Jun Hoong held her nerves and posted 80.00 points for the fifth and final dive.
Reigning Olympic champion Ren Qian only managed 76.80 in the final round and her total of 391.95 points saw her settling for bronze.
Rio Olympic silver medallist Si Yajie produced a higher final round score of 81.60 but it was not good enough to beat Jun Hoong’s total of 397.50 points.
Si Yajie, who also won the world title in the 2013 Barcelona edition, took silver with a 396.00 total.
China’s platform divers were stunned with their defeats to Jun Hoong, who only qualified for the final in seventh spot earlier in the day.
Her feat is momentous considering that Malaysia only took diving seriously just over two decades ago.
Jun Hoong, who took the lead after the third dive, was in tears as the Negaraku was heard for the first time during the prize presentation ceremony shortly after the final.
The historic win follows the bronze medal she won earlier in the week in the 10m platform synchro event with Pandelela Rinong.
Pandelela, who claimed bronze in the 2015 edition in Kazan, Russia, took ninth spot with 322.40 points.
Defending champion Kim Kuk Hyang of North Korea came in sixth with 360.00 points.
“I avoided looking at the scoreboard in the opening dives as I was only focused on my performance. It was not until the last dive when I climbed onto the platform and I saw my ranking was first,” said Jun Hoong, who will receive RM80,000 from the government as a reward, yesterday.
“It shocked me. Even though I was in front, I was not expecting a gold medal. The Chinese divers were consistent.
“I never expected to finish first in fact .... maybe top three.”
On what was going through her mind during the competition, Jun Hoong said she wouldn’t have regrets if she had not won the title.
“I always emphasise on performance in every round. I am having goosebumps now.
“I really don’t know what happened but I really thank God for watching over me, because after so many years I’ve been competing and now it is an indescribable feeling for me.
“And world champion, my God. It’s unexpected and unbelievable!” Jun Hoong added.