Cheer for Chong Wei, woe for divers

CYCLIST Azizulhasni Awang is still there but following the failure of the divers, Lee Chong Wei has re-emerged as Malaysia's best bet for, if not gold, a medal at the London Olympics.

As Chong Wei produced a commanding performance against Simon Santoso at the Wembley Arena yesterday to seal his quarter-final berth, Bryan Nickson Lomas-Huang Qiang failed miserably in the 10m platform synchro on Wednesday.

The divers were targeted to deliver a bronze but inconsistent dives saw them finishing last instead.

"It is disappointing but we tried our best," said Nickson, 22.

Hopes had been high the duo, after winning medals in several world level meets, would deliver Malaysia's first Olympic medal from a sport other than badminton but they fell flat instead.

Lee Chong Wei moves to intercept a return from Simon Santoso. Pic: Khairul Ghazali

Chong Wei, Malaysia's sole medallist at the 2008 Beijing Games, was back at his best though and should advance to Friday's semi-finals as he plays P. Kashyap of India in the last eight on Thursday.

"I found it very comfortable on court and I hope this continues for the remainder of the tournament," said Chong Wei.

Also in action on Thursday will be Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong who play Bodin Isara-Maneepong Jongjit of Thailand in the men's doubles quarter-finals.