KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 — Olympian diver Wendy Ng Yan Yee is smiling from ear to ear as she will be able to compete in the World Series in Beijing next month.

The 23-year-old who was ranked world No 9 earlier this year, has climbed up a spot to eighth in the women’s 3m springboard.

Only the world’s top eight divers are allowed to compete in the prestigious World Series.

The Kuala Lumpur-born lass was supposed to fly to Germany for the Fina Grand Prix on Monday, but coach Yang Zhuliang decided to send only the men’s squad.

Zhuliang made the decision so that Wendy could better train and prepare for the World Series.

“I started the year feeling anxious as I have never failed to qualify for the World Series since 2013,” said Wendy.

“Now I’m all excited and can't wait to compete in Beijing.

“Other than the World Series, I need to be at my best for the World Championships in Budapest from July 14 to 30, and then the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in August.”

Wendy did well at the Rio Olympics last August, when she reached the final and finished a respectable 10th in the 3m springboard individual.

She also made history by becoming the first Malaysian finalist in the event.

Wendy then followed it up with a maiden World Grand Prix victory in Kuching last October, beating two formidable divers — China’s 2013 World Championship silver medalist Wang Han, and 2014 Asian Games silver medalist Huang Xiaohui.

Wendy said even though she enjoyed a good competitive run last year, she was worried about the Kuala Lumpur Games selection.

“I need to be in top shape as I will be fighting for a spot in the Games squad with Rio Olympics silver medallist Cheong Jun Hoong and rising star, Nur Dhabitah Sabri.

“Competition is tough so I need to prove myself to coach Zhuliang that I can do it.”

If selected, Wendy’s ultimate goal for the KL Games is to clinch her maiden individual title on home turf.

“I’m always behind Jun Hoong, so it would be great if I am able to win an individual title in my pet event,” she said.

Wendy lost out in the women’s 3m springboard individual gold in three previous SEA Games — in Indonesia (2011), Myanmar (2013) and Singapore (2015).

She won four SEA Games springboard synchro gold medals — with Leong Mun Yee in 2009 and 2011; Jun Hoong in 2013; and Dhabitah in 2015.

“What’s most important is I need to make the Games squad,” said Wendy.

“I’m made to understand the final selection will be done after the World Championships.”