BREAKDOWN IN RELATIONSHIP?

Jun Hoong ‘missing’ from online diving competition

WHILE most organisers would want a starry cast of former and current world champions for their events, it is a different story in Malaysia as far as diving is concerned.

An international live-stream competition on Nov 14-15, organised by Malaysia Swimming, will feature the Pandelela Rinong-led national diving team and also divers from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

However, 2017 world champion Cheong Jun Hoong, has so far, been left out conspicuously and surprisingly in the cold.

And she is under the Tokyo Olympic programme, and a medal prospect, no less.

Although Jun Hoong has not competed competitively for the last two years following knee surgery, she has been training under former national coach Yang Zhuliang since late last year.

There has been an undercurrent of uneasiness between Jun Hoong and some of the national divers at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil as they train separately under different coaches.

While Jun Hoong trains under the China-born Zhuliang, the other national divers are coached by Li Rui and Christian Brooker. Jun Hoong has her own programme and training schedule.

Was there a lack of communication or was Jun Hoong just being kept out of the loop?

Only the national association have the answer as to why Jun Hoong is not on their list for the online diving competition.

Could it be due to a breakdown in relationship between those in the national team and Jun Hoong?

Zhuliang admitted he is in uncharted waters when it comes to the activities of the “national team”.

When contacted by Timesport yesterday, Zhuliang said: “To be honest, I’m not very clear regarding the details of the online competition.

“Part of it is because we have our own training schedule and we do not cross paths with the national team. So, as far as I’m aware, competing in the online meet was never part of our planning.”

Zhuliang, however, pointed out that Jun Hoong is ready to return to competitions. He said the Ipoh-born diver is free from injuries and training well.

According to Zhuliang, Jun Hoong is set to compete in the German Grand Prix in Rostock on Jan 28-31.

“We do not have any competitions this year but I am working towards getting her ready for the German GP.”

“That will be her first official competition, and it will be a warm-up before the World Cup in Tokyo on Feb 23-28.

“The target is to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics through the World Cup,” added Zhuliang.

The online competition, organised by MS, is to keep the national divers on their toes whilst preparing for a busy calendar next year with the World Cup being the immediate priority.

MS will also host an inter-state online competition for local divers before international action resumes.