Jun Hoong’s success means more SEA Games medals

KUALA LUMPUR: The superlative performance of Cheong Jun Hoong at the FINA World Aquatics Championships means the national diving contingent now has an added opportunity to collect more medals at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games (KL2017) next month.

National Sports Council (MSN) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said Jun Hoong’s feat was not only a success for herself and the country but also a source of motivation and encouragement for the Malaysian contingent.

“This is a great achievement not only to prove that diving is one of the country’s elite sports, but the national squad has managed to end China’s domination in diving.

“This success is in line with the aspirations of the National Sports Transformation Programme that enabled the creation of the Podium Programme. It proves that we can be world champions,” Ahmad Shapawi said when contacted by Bernama yesterday.

Jun Hoong, who also won a silver medal with Pandelela Rinong Pamg in the 10m platform synchronised at the Rio Olympics last year, amassed 397.50 points to ensure the ˜Negera Ku” (national anthem) was played at the Duna Arena, Budapest earlier yesterday morning (Malaysian time).

She beat two of her strongest rivals, Si Yiajie (former world champion) and Ren Qian (Olympic gold medalist in Rio de Janeiro) of China after they each collected 396.00 points and 391.95 points respectively for the silver and bronze medals.

The medal was her second at the FINA World Aquatic Championships this time after a bronze in the 10m platform synchronised with Pandelela Rinong.

“Meanwhile, Pandelela Rinong, who also entered the final round, finished in ninth spot out of 12 qualifying divers.

Amateur Swimming Association of Malaysia (ASUM) honorary-secretary Mae Chan said she believed that Jun Hoong would perform even better in the SEA Games.