Unfit world champion Jun Hoong still a handful

BEING the first world champion to grace the SEA Games diving competition, Cheong Jun Hoong certainly has an expectation to live up to at the Kuala Lumpur Games.

And the 27-year-old did not disappoint the crowd who packed the stand to catch her only action at the Games in the 1m springboard individual yesterday.

Despite not being 100% fit, Jun Hoong was simply a class above the rest as she led from start to finish to win with 268.55 points.

She finished 35.55 points ahead of second-placed compatriot Jasmine Lai (233.50) while Vietnamese Ngo Phuong Mai claimed the bronze with 207.80.

The victory was Jun Hoong’s seventh gold at the SEA Games in eight appearances.

“It’s always nice to be back competing in the SEA Games, moreover it’s a home Games,” said Jun Hoong.

“I was too young for 2001 and only made my debut in 2003 (Hanoi Games), so it’s my first home SEA Games.

“The support from the home fans was so overwhelming, so I really enjoyed myself today. I’m glad to deliver the gold in my only event for these Games.”

Jun Hoong only took part in one event because she’s still recovering from her back injury.

She did not defend the 3m spring- board individual title that she won in the last three editions. The event was won by Wendy Ng on Saturday.

“I’m not fully recovered but the pain is bearable. I managed the pain by taking painkillers provided by the National Sports Institute,” she explained.

“I understand why the coach entered me for only one event because he doesn’t want to aggravate my injury.”

In Budapest, Hungary, last month, Jun Hoong created history as the first Malaysian world diving champion. She notched a sensational upset over world No. 1 and No. 2 Si Yajie and Ren Qian of China to win the 10m platform individual gold.