Diver Zhiayi delivers again in Youth Olympics

Loh Zhiayi in action en route to winning a bronze in the women's 3m springboard at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing. - Bernama

PETALING JAYA: With back to back podium finishes at the ongoing Youth Olympic Games has made diver Loh Zhiayi a bankable young star in the making.

Zhiayi scored 446.70 to bag the bronze in the women’s 3m springboard in Nanjing on Monday for her – and Malaysia’s – second medal.

The gold went to China’s Wu Shengping (492.05) with Ukraine’s Ganna Krasnoshlyk (459.10) taking silver.

On Saturday, Zhiayi delivered Malaysia’s first medal after clinching the silver in the women’s 10m platform.

The 17-year-old looked to be in control scoring 67.50, 54.60 and 63.00 in her first three dives to maintain her second spot.

However, in the final dive, Krasnoshlyk who was in third place pulled off a reverse 2½ somersault tuck to earn a massive 67.20 which was her biggest score of the day.

Zhiayi’s fourth dive – a back 1½ sommersault with 1½ twists – saw her earn 48.00 and fell to third.

In athletics, triple jumper Kirthana Ramasamy was forced to settle for fifth place after posting 12.64m – well below her personal and season’s best of 13.06m.

France’s Yanis Esmelda David (13.33) won gold. Australia’s Tay-Leiha Clark who matched Kirthana’s personal best of 13.06 took silver ahead of Hungary’s Eszter Bajnok (13.06).

Malaysian golfers Low Khai Jei and Kan Kah Yan had a forgettable day in the second round of the mixed team event.

After carding a three-under 69 to be tied 17th in the opening round, Khai Jei and Kah Yan only mustered a four-over 76 to occupy 23rd spot.

by Ashreena Pillai - The Star

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