GOLD COAST PREP FOR DIVERS
Coach Zhuliang brings near full-strength squad to Australian Grand Prix leg
REPORTS BY FADHLI ISHAK fadhli.ishak@nst.com.my an important part in their preparation for the Commonwealth Games which will also be held at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.
"All the divers are here except for Wendy Ng and Traisy Vivien Tukiet. Traisy has to attend university and is unable to make it," said Zhuliang, who arrived with the squad in Gold Coast yesterday.
"I think it is very important for all the divers to try the pool and the facilities.
"The weather can also be very cold so it is imperative that they get used to the conditions here. The Commonwealth Games is a very big event so we need to be well prepared."
Wendy is provisionally suspended after testing positive for the banned substance sibutramine at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games in August.
Zhuliang disclosed that he will continue to field Cheong Jun Hoong in the 10m platform mixed synchro alongside Jellson Jabillin. The duo won gold in the event at the KL leg of the Grand Prix last month.
Jun Hoong has not been competing in the 10m platform individual since she won the event at the World Championships in July in Budapest due to a nagging lower back injury.
Zhuliang added that Nur Dhabitah Sabri and Jasmine Lai will compete in the 3m springboard individual event and will likely pair up for the synchro as well. Dhabitah had previously partnered Wendy.
Pandelela Rinong and Leong Mun Yee won gold at the KL GP in the 10m platform synchro discipline, though it is unclear whether their partnership will continue with Kimberly Bong being an option for Zhuliang.
Malaysia ended the competition with two gold, four silver and one bronze to rank third overall and will look to do better in Australia this week.
Ooi Tze Liang, Ahmad Amsyar Azman, Chew Yiwei, Jellson Jabillin and Syafiq Puteh;
Pandelela Rinong, Leong Mun Yee, Cheong Jun Hoong, Nur Dhabitah Sabri, Jasmine Lai, Kimberly Bong.