KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian divers will be put to the test against quality opposition at the Malaysia Open which will be held at the National Aquatics Centre, Bukit Jalil on Nov 2-4.
The competition will bring together divers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines and Singapore.
Malaysia Aquatics (MAS) diving technical director Bryan Nickson Lomas said the meet will also be used to gauge Malaysian divers' performances under the Minimum Qualifying Standard (MQS) system.
MAS have implemented the new MQS system to ensure that only the top performing divers are sent to represent the country in major international competitions.
"I am happy to see strong nations such as Japan and Mexico also competing in the Malaysia Open, it will be a good test for our divers," said Bryan when contacted today.
"The likes of Pandelela Rinong and Ooi Tze Liang, who surpassed the required MQS score at the National Trials last month, need to do it again to prove that they can consistently perform at that level.
"I also want to see divers who have recently recovered or are coming back from injury, such as Nazirul Jaya Surya, Gabriel Gilbert Daim and Jellson Jabillin, to show what they are capable of."
Bryan, however, disclosed that a number of national backup divers will miss the opportunity to compete in the meet.
"The Malaysia Open is sanctioned by World Aquatics and for each event the host nation is allowed only three entries," said Bryan.
"So some of our young backup divers cannot compete. They are, however, in the middle of preparing for the World Juniors which will be held in Brazil (November)."
National squad for Malaysia Open
Men: Bertrand Rhodict Lises, Enrique Maccartney Harold, Gabriel Gilbert Daim, Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya, Jellson Jaibillin, Julfaddli Jali, Syafiq Puteh and Ooi Tze Liang.
Women: Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg, Ong Ker Ying, Nur Dhabitah Sabri, Nur Eilisha Rania Abrar Raj.