Diver Jun Hoong can spring a surprise in C’wealth Games

National diver Jun Hoong made the cut for the first time for next year’s World Series by finishing eighth in the 3m springboard event at the World Cup in Shanghai on Sunday

PETALING JAYA: Cheong Jun Hoong can fancy a shot at winning her first Commonwealth Games medal in Glasgow after an encouraging display at the Diving World Cup in Shanghai.

It was a proud day for Malaysia on Sunday with Jun Hoong and Wendy Ng Yan Yee both making the top 12 final in the women’s 3m springboard individual event. It was the first time Malaysia had two representatives in an individual event final at a world-level meet.

Jun Hoong could have finished higher if not for a poor fifth and final dive. She only managed 50.40 points to finish eighth with a 326.45 total while Wendy finished 10th on 291.40 points.

Earlier in the semi-finals, Jun Hoong was placed fourth (328.70) while Wendy finished 11th (300.70) among the 18 divers.

It was a grand outing for Jun Hoong as she also made the cut for the first time for next year’s Diving World Series as one of the top eight finishers.

Earlier on Thursday, the 24-year-old Jun Hoong partnered Leong Mun Yee to clinch the silver in the 10m platform synchro.

Malaysian coach Yang Zhuliang believes Jun Hoong is a strong medal prospect in Glasgow based on her results in the World Cup.

“She is in the mix with the two Canadians – Jennifer Abel and Pamela Ware – as well as Australia’s Maddison Keeney.

“The women’s springboard is very competitive. Jun Hoong must be more consistent at the Commonwealth Games as Jennifer and Pamela are world class springboard divers,” said Zhuliang.

 by Lim Teik Huat - The Star