KUALA LUMPUR: The first national diving trials, held at Bukit Jalil last week, saw seniors and juniors vying to represent Malaysia through the Minimum Qualifying Standard (MQS). That's something new and interesting.
Two foreign judges were also brought in to help with the scoring, therefore ensuring the trials were of international standard.
Malaysia Aquatics diving technical director Bryan Nickson Lomas said the judging was very strict, similar to the World Championships.
Divers who failed to meet the MQS score in their events twice will not be considered for national selection, no matter their status in the squad or their past achievements.
Bryan said the MQS system opens up opportunities for the juniors to get noticed and be selected for major competitions.
"Previously Podium divers would get priority for senior competitions while it was difficult for the juniors to get selected for the same competitions.
"The MQS opens up the possibility for them to be selected for senior competitions, and at the same time, it keeps the seniors on their toes."
Bryan noted that seniors like Pandelela Rinong and Ooi Tze Liang still have much to give in the sport. Both cleared the MQS set for seniors in their respective events.
"With Pandelela getting 300.90 in the 10m platform and Tze Liang 402.55 in the 3m springboard, you can say that they have not lost their 'venom'," said Bryan.
"At the same time, we can see that the male juniors are chasing their seniors and showcasing a satisfactory standard. My only concern right now is the females, few are showing the quality needed to shine."
He said the juniors are keen to challenge their seniors due to the open nature of selection with the implementation of the MQS.
"We have brought in a few into the backup squad, but it's going to take some time to polish their skill to international standards," said the 34-year-old Olympian.
Moving forward, Bryan hopes that coaches and divers will take the MQS more seriously, so that there will be more participation.
The next competition that will be counted in the MQS is the Malaysian Open in November.