KUALA LUMPUR: National backup diver Nurqayyum Nazmi Nazim was disappointed despite surpassing the Minimum Qualification Standard (MQS) in the 1m springboard event at the inaugural National Diving Trials at the National Aquatics Centre in Bukit Jalil today.
Nurqayyum posted a six-dive total of 291.20 points, surpassing the 280 points set as the MQS for junior divers.
The 18-year-old exceeded the 330-point mark at last month's Malaysia Games in Sarawak and the Malaysia International Age Group Diving Championships (MIAG) in May.
"Maybe it wasn't my day, or perhaps I'm a little tired from our packed competition schedule," said the Federal Territories springboard specialist.
"The Malaysia Games were only last month, and I had just a few days of rest before starting preparations for the trials."
"I know I can do better than what I've achieved here."
Nurqayyum won gold at the Malaysia Games with a score of 335.35 points — a performance that would have seen him surpass the MQS for senior divers.
For the 1m event, the MQS scores for men are: 280 points (minimum for juniors), 330 (seniors), and 448 (maximum).
Sarawak's Soh Tze Kang finished second with 258.95 points, while compatriot Awang Sharzan Nasrin Awang Nasaruddin took third with 257.00 points.
In the women's 1m springboard, FT's Teng Hui Xue won with 153.55 points — well below the MQS.
Sarawak's Cecelia Olivia Christopher Leoneil finished second with 145.30 points, and compatriot Trisya Ann Voon completed the podium with 123.40 points.
The MQS scores for women are: 225 points (minimum for juniors), 245 (seniors), and 306 (maximum).