Malaysian diver Ng loses SEA Games golds after positive test

Malaysian diver Wendy Ng Yan Yee will have to return the two gold medals she won at this year’s SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur after failing a doping test, the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) confirmed today.

Ng, 24, tested positive for sibutramine, an appetite suppressant which is on the list of substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The diver won the gold medal in the 3m springboard individual and 3m springboard synchro events, the latter in partnership with Nur Dhabitah Sabri.

Since sibutramine is not considered a serious offence compared with other substances, she is likely to be suspended for a maximum of two years instead of the regular four year-ban.

Ng represented Malaysia in qualifying for the 3m springboard individual final at the Rio Olympics.

Malaysian diving coach saddened by the positive dope test

Interviewed by the New Straits Times, national diving head coach Yang Zhuliang claimed that he is saddened by Ng's positive doping test and the suspension she is likely to face.

"I do not really have much to comment, I am very sad about the whole thing," said Zhuliang.

"I do not know what happened, she told me that she did not take anything she was not supposed to and does not know how the substance entered her system.

"Unfortunately, this will affect my plans for her in the near future."

Potential gold for Singapore

The divers took silver, while the bronze went to Indonesia's Eka Purnama Indan and Linadini Yasmin.

If the duo are handed the title, Singapore's tally of golds would increase from 57 to 58, moving the city-state up to joint-third in the medal table alongside Vietnam.

Ng's individual medal is very likely to be awarded to her compatriot, Nur Dhabitah Sabri, who would also lose her 3m synchro gold.