Samut prakan: Singapore disrupted Malaysia's quest for a clean sweep in diving at the SEA Games Thailand 2025, held in Samut Prakan. On the opening day of the competition, at the Aquatic Centre, Assumption University Suvarnabhumi Campus, Avvir Pac Lun Tham from Singapore clinched the gold medal in the men's one metre springboard event.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Avvir's performance, scoring 370.35 points, ended Malaysia's stronghold on the event, which they have dominated since the 2019 SEA Games. Thailand's Chawanwat Juntaphadawon secured the silver medal with 357.80 points, while Malaysia's Yong Rui Jie earned a bronze with 354.55 points. Another Malaysian contender, Nurqayyum Nazmi Mohamad Nazim, finished in fifth place, scoring 311.35 points.

Despite not claiming the gold, Rui Jie regarded his bronze medal as a significant personal accomplishment, especially since the one metre springboard is not his strongest event. The 19-year-old diver was notified of his participation shortly before the competition, taking the place of experienced diver Muhammad Syafiq Puteh, giving him only a few days to prepare.

Rui Jie, making his debut at the SEA Games, expressed his surprise and satisfaction at winning a medal in an event he considers his weakness. "One metre springboard has always been my weakness. And I'm able to break through that and get this medal. This was a big achievement for me. Actually, I just got told two days before I'm diving this event. So did not expect to get this medal," he shared with reporters.

Although pleased with his achievement, Rui Jie admitted feeling slightly disappointed as Singapore thwarted Malaysia's perfect start. He is now focused on seeking redemption in his next event, the men's synchronised 3m springboard, where he will compete alongside Nurqayyum Nazmi this Friday.