Diving queen Pandelela Rinong and Nur Dhabitah Sabri qualified for the women's individual 10-metre platform semi-finals at the Rio Olympic Games last night (early today in Malaysia).

In the preliminary round at Maria Aquatics Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Pandelela, the bronze medalist for the event in 2012 London Olympics, finished sixth while Nur Dhabitah in eighth spot.

The duo were among 28 divers vying for the top 18 spots for the next stage today, after completing the five-dive format.

The semifinals will be held at 9pm Malaysian time, followed by the final round of 12 divers at 3am on Friday, Malaysian time.

Pandelela, who picked up a silver in the synchronised 10-metre platform along with Cheong Jun Hoong, accumulated 332.4 points while Nur Dhabitah has 325.58 points.

China's favourite, Si Yajie, topped the leaderboard with 397.45 points, while compatriot Ren Qian was 11.65 points behind to finish second.

Pandelela had dives of 72, 65.25, 73.60, 52.80 and 68.80 points while Nur Dhabitah scored 72, 41.60, 75.90, 64.35 and 72 points.

The top ranked Chinese scored 76.50, 76.80, 78.40, 84.15 and 81.60 points in the final attempt.

- Bernama