IN GOLD COAST
Earlier, Syafiq, who partnered Jasmine Lai for the mixed 3m springboard synchro title at the KL Sea Games in August, did well to take third position with a 380.95 total while Amsyar was 10th (352.65) in the preliminary round.
National coach Yang Zhuliang was happy with Syafiq for passing the test with flying colours at the same outdoor venue that will be used for the diving competition at the Commonwealth Games next year.
“I brought my full team for the Australian GP with the exceptions of Wendy Ng and Traisy Vivian Tukiet as I want them to get a feel of the conditions here ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
“Syafiq performed very well today. I am very happy that he made the final as the 3m springboard competition here is as tough as the World Championships.
“Syafiq has turned into a promising diver and I hope he can keep up the momentum.
“He is ranked third among the Commonwealth countries and if he keeps it up, he can get a medal,” said Zhuliang.
For the Commonwealth Games, Zhuliang can include Syafiq alongside Ooi Tze Liang and Amsyar for the 3m springboard as each country can enter a maximum of three divers for the individual events.
Pandelela Rinong and Kimberly Bong both made the final for tomorrow's women's 10m platform individual event.
Pandelela and Kimberly finished second (295.20) and third (240.50) respectively in the second semi-final group won by Australian AnnaRose Keating (297.10).
Former Olympic silver medallist Brittany Brien of Australia (284.25), Celina Toth of Canada (267.45) and Christina Wassen of Germany (252.20) qualified from the first semi-final group.