GABRIEL GRABS SILVER

Sabah teen shines in Asian Cup

GABRIEL Gilbert Daim earned a significant breakthrough with a silver medal to mark his arrival at senior level in the Asian Diving Cup in Macau yesterday.

The 16-year-old was one of the five juniors tested by national coach Yang Zhuliang in the competition.

Gabriel, 16, paired up with Rio Olympian Nur Dhabitah Sabri for second position in the mixed 3m springboard synchro at the Macau Olympic Aquatic Centre.

Gabriel-Nur Dhabitah gave China’s eventual champions Qu Lin-Yang Ling some anxious moments with a 312.00 total before settling for the silver.

The China pair won with 319.50 points while Singapore’s Ashlee Tan-James Chong finished third on 253.95.

The achievement was special for Gabriel as he is the second diver from Sabah to finish on the podium in this meet.

Sabah-born Jellson Jabillin and Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya clinched a silver in the men’s 10m platform synchro two days ago.

Jellson and Gabriel picked up the basics of diving in Kota Kinabalu under former national diver Khairul Safwan Mansor before joining the national set-up in Kuala Lumpur early this year.

“A medal in my first senior level meet is something to cherish. I was slightly nervous on the springboard but my partner (Nur Dhabitah) just told me not to worry too much.

“I am happy and proud to make this breakthrough. This will add to my confidence for future assignments,” said Gabriel.

The Kadazan diver is hoping to make the squad for the KL Sea Games on Aug 19-30.

The mixed 3m springboard and 10m platform events will be contested for the first time in the Sea Games as the KL edition offers 13 gold medals.

“It has always been my dream to compete at the highest level and my parents will be proud if I am selected for the Sea Games,” Gabriel added.

Junior divers Kimberly Bong-Syahmi Mohd Rezal also ended their campaign with a bronze in the mixed 10m platform synchro with 249.72 points.

Seasoned campaigners Ooi Tze Liang and Chew Yiwei bagged the men’s 3m springboard silver with 391.95 points while 2012 London Olympian Traisy Vivien Tukiet took third place in the women’s 10m platform individual final on 292.45.

Malaysia ended their Asian Cup campaign with six silver and seven bronze while China achieved a clean sweep of 12 gold.

I am happy and proud to make this breakthrough. This will add to my confidence for future assignments.”

Gabriel Gilbert Daim