PETALING JAYA: Pandelela Rinong plunged her way into the history books by bagging bronze in the women's 10m platform individual final at the World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia.
The 22-year-old, already assured of a place in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics after qualifying for the final, put up a consistent display throughout the five-dive competition to nail the Malaysia's first ever individual medal at the prestigious meet.
Pandelela chalked 75.00, 65.25, 81.60, 81.60 and 81.60 to finish with 385.05 points.
North Korea's Kim Kuk-hyang was the surprise winner. The 16-year-old, who is making her debut in Kazan, shocked the field by grabbing gold with 397.05 points.
It was North Korea's first-ever success in world championships history.
Newcomer Ren Qian saved China the blushes by taking silver on 388.00 points after outgoing champion Si Yajie could only settle for fourth on 384.40 points.
Pandelela already had two bronze medals to her name in the 10m platform synchro partnering Leong Mun Yee – in Rome (2009) and in Barcelona (2013).
Pandelela, the bronze medallist at the 2012 London Olympics, advanced to the final in eighth place the day before and will cherish her feat in Kazan, made sweeter by the fact that she beat defending champion Si Yajie to the bronze.
Si Yajie, who won on her debut in Barcelona two years ago, was leading with one dive to go but a 72.00 on her final attempt saw her fade out of contention.
