KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Swimming (MAS) are hoping to see improvements across the board from their swimmers and divers when they compete at the World Aquatic Championships in Doha (Feb 2-18).
MAS honorary secretary Andy Low said the national body have not set any specific targets for their diving and swimming squads, but expect them to strive for personal bests.
"They are aware that they must do their best, that has been made clear to them," said Andy when contacted recently.
"We are hoping to see improved performances. If they can execute their techniques and dives well, their points will also go up.
"As long as they show improvement, we will be happy."
Andy said the national body are looking to send up to 16 athletes to compete in Qatar.
"We have yet to finalise our squads yet.
"Currently, we have six swimmers and 13 divers on the long lists for the championships. We will reduce them by about one or two athletes (for each sport) before the meet starts.
"We are currently evaluating their performances in training and will only choose those who are in good form. The MAS committee will decide."
Andy said the diving squad are currently training in China as part of their preparations for the world meet.
The big names expected to compete include divers Pandelela Rinong, Nur Dhabitah Sabri, Wendy Ng, Ooi Tze Liang and swimmer Khiew Hoe Yean.
The competition is the last chance for the divers to qualify for the Paris Olympics (July 26-Aug 11).
For the individual events, the divers need to place within the top 12 in their events in Doha. For the synchronised events, the pairs need to finish in the top four.
Swimmers must achieve the specified qualifying times in their respective events.
Malaysia did not win any medals at the world championships in Fukuoka last year.
