Pandelela celebrates during the podium ceremony of the Women’s 10m platform final diving event at the FINA World Championships in Kazan. — AFP photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s diving sensation Pandelela Rinong snatched the bronze medal in the women’s 10m platform individual final at the World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia, on Thursday.
The 22-year-old Sarawakian was already assured of a place in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics by virtue of qualifying for the finals where all 12 (from semifinals) are assured of berths to the Rio Olympics. She finished eighth in the top-18 field for the women’s 10m platform semifinals to the individual final of 12 top divers.
In yesterday’s keen competition held at the Aquatic Palace, Pandelela put up a consistent display throughout the five-dive competition to clinch Malaysia’s first ever individual medal at the star-studded competition which saw formidable foes Roseline Filion (of Canada; finished 13th), Paolo Espinosa (Mexico; 17th) and European champion Sarah Barrows Britain; last in semis).
She recorded 75.00, 65.25, 81.60, 81.60 and 81.60 to finish third with 385.05 points.
North Korea’s 16-year-old Kim Kuk-hyang stole the limelight by taking the gold medal with 397.05 points, while Chinese newcomer Ren Qian took the silver with 388.00 points.
For the record, Pandelela had won two bronze medals in the World Championships, partnering Leong Mun Yee in the 10m platform synchronised events in Rome, Italy (2009) and in Barcelona, Spain (2013). — Bernama