Pessimism Costs Zhiayi A Medal

By TAN MING WAI

Loh Zhiayi

LOH ZHIAYI did not expect to add on to her medal tally at the 2nd Asian Youth Games in Nanjing, China as she finished fourth in the girls 3m springboard final this afternoon.

The 16-year-old, who clinched silver in the platform discipline yesterday, did not think herself worthy of a medal in the event that she hardly practises in.

However, Zhiayi will surely be disappointed with the way the competition ended, considering she did actually have a chance of stepping onto the podium.

In fact she even started off brilliantly and was placed second after her first dive. Although she dropped to third place by the time round two ended, she was still looking comfortable for a bronze medal finish.

Then disaster struck in her third attempt as a bad entry left her with dismal scores.

With Chinese pair Shen Yi and Wang Weijie already cruising ahead for a 1-2 finish, Zhiayi’s third spot was under threat with nearest rival Kim Su Ji of South Korea, just 1.2 points behind.

Zhiayi bounced back with better execution in the fourth and final dive, but she could do nothing to stop Su Ji – who also dived superbly and had the advantage of higher degree of difficulty (DD) routine – from surpassing her and taking over the bronze medal spot.

Zhiayi amassed a total of 434.80, settling in fourth behind Shen Yi (465.75), Weijie (448.20) and Su Ji (441.00).

“It was quite frustrating as one dive ruined it all. I could have won one more medal … wasted again (referring to missing on gold medal yesterday),” said Zhiayi.

“The opponents I faced today, they are all good springboard divers.

“That is why I didn’t think I had a chance. I think I did the best I could, with the exception of my third dive in the final.

“It’s all over now; at least I’m bringing home a silver after all. It’s time to look forward to next competition.”

Meanwhile, in the boys platform final held hours later, Muhd Nazreen Abdullah could only finish fifth after chalking up 442.70 points.

Diving powerhouse China dominated the top two standings, with Yue Qi (539.75) and Zeng Jiajie (517.30) winning the gold and silver respectively.

Bronze went to North Korea’s Ri Hyonju (477.70).

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