The best yet to come from Pandelela
Published on: Thursday, August 11, 2016
DOUBLE Olympics medallist Pandelela Rinong was in total focus and didn't look at the scoreboard when Malaysia's position slipped to third spot in the synchronised 10m platform event. Pairing with Cheong Jun Hoong, Pandelela was unperturbed when North Korean pair Kim Kuk Hyang and Kim Mi Rae took second spot after the third dive. "We were focused on our dives and what we needed to do. Although points were flashed on the giant scoreboard across the platform, we didn't look at our position," said Pandelela after winning the silver medal here Tuesday (Wednesday in Malaysia).
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The pair clinched the silver medal with 344.34 points in the mandatory five dives at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre behind China's pair of Chen Ruolin and Liu Huixia (354 points). Canada's Meaghan Benfeito and Roseline Filion settled for the bronze medal with 336.18 points. "I am very happy because the competition was stiff and we put in all that we had learned in training. I think we can do much better," said the 23-year Pandelela who will compete in her favourite 10m individual platform on Aug 17.
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Pandelela said she and Jun Hoong had been training together for almost two years and often matched other divers in international championships. "This is the third time we have competed in a competition as a pair," said Pandelela who often paired with Leong Mun Yee.
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She said the coaches often experimented with new combinations and found the right match in Rio. "I am recovering from a string of injuries and the training stint in China was put to good use here," she said. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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