[UPDATED] SEA Games: clean sweep for M’sia, bagging eighth gold in diving

KUALA LUMPUR – It’s a clean sweep for Malaysia as Datuk Pandelela Rinong-Nur Dhabitah Sabri win the eighth and final gold medal for diving in the women’s synchronised 10m platform event at the 2022 Hanoi SEA Games.

At the My Dinh aquatics centre, the highly anticipated diving pair scored a total of 292.14 points to bring home the gold medal, with their scores over the five rounds being 49.20, 48.60, 65.70, 64.32, 64.32.

Singapore’s twin sisters Ong Sze En-Ong Rei En scored 225.42 points to win the silver medal, while Vietnam’s Mai Hong Hang-Bui Thi Hong Giang won bronze with a score of 185.25.

Previously, Nur Dhabitah won gold in the women’s 1m springboard event to kick off Malaysia’s medal tally, while Kimberly Bong Qian Ping won silver.

After their win, Pandelela said although there were challenges along the way to the games, the win brings much needed relief.

“There were many challenges that we faced in training, but I am very satisfied with the results today.

“This is the first gold for our partnership, and I feel comfortable with Dhabitah. Our rhythm is on point, and we have no issues with chemistry, we just need to improve on our individual techniques,” she said.

Pandelela added that she is happy to have Dhabitah as she can adapt quickly with her diving style.

Dhabitah echoed her partner’s words by saying that they need to work on their individual technique.

“There were many challenges for us, and we still needed to fine tune some things, especially tweak our individual technique,” she said.

She added that it gives her immense pride for being the flag bearer during tomorrow’s opening ceremony.

“Personally, being the flag bearer and giving Malaysia the first gold medal for the games, it makes me very proud because we all worked together to achieve this target,” she added.

Pandelela’s former diving partner and team manager for the diving team Datuk Leong Mun Yee said she is very satisfied with the performance of the athletes.

“We targeted eight golds, and we got it all, I am very happy with their achievements.

“There is still room for improvement for the upcoming games, especially each divers’ individual techniques,” she said. – The Vibes, May 11, 2022