KUALA LUMPUR: Diver Syafiq Puteh endured a nightmare outing in his first Sea Games eight years ago.
However, the Perak-born is confident his juniors will not suffer the same fate at the Phnom Penh edition on May 5-17.
Syafiq is the most senior member of the Sea Games squad.
Seasoned campaigners Ooi Tze Liang, Chew Yiwei, Pandelela Rinong, Nur Dhabitah Sabri and Wendy Ng are not competing in Phnom Penh as they are preparing for other international competitions.
Syafiq admitted he did not perform to expectations during the 2015 Singapore edition — his first appearance in the biennial competition.
The 27-year-old, however, learned from his shortcomings to win two gold and one silver in subsequent editions.
He also showed his pedigree by winning a silver and a bronze at last year's Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
"My first Sea Games was pretty rough," said Syafiq recently.
"I was quite nervous as I lacked international experience.
"I did not manage myself well in Singapore eight years ago. I was trailing divers from Indonesia and Singapore and finished fifth in the men's 3m individual springboard event.
"I was disappointed that I could not fulfil the medal target. It was a bitter pill to swallow."
Hosts Cambodia have halved the number of events in the sport this year. Only individual events have been included this time.
The national divers should secure at least three of the four gold medals on offer in Phnom Penh.
Malaysia won all eight gold at the Hanoi Sea Games last year.
The squad feature several new faces, including Enrique Harold, Lee Yiat Qing and Nur Elisha Rania Abrial Rajagopal.
Malaysia Swimming (MS) is using the Sea Games to expose some of its up-and-coming divers.
Syafiq is optimistic the youngsters will do well at the Morodok Techo National Aquatics Centre in Phnom Penh.
"Based on their performances in training, I believe they will deliver podium finishes (in Phnom Penh)," said Syafiq, who will again compete in the 3m event.
"Hard work always pays off."
Syafiq added that the Sea Games is also part of his preparations for the World Championships in Japan (in July) — an Olympic qualifier.