Chinese Girls Dominate Morning Session of Gymnastics QualifyingThe Chinese girls dominated the morning session of the Sydney Olympics women's gymnasticsqualifying in Sydney on Sunday, taking an early lead in three out of the four apparatus and the individual all-around event. Ling Jie, 18, posted a 9.812 point performance on the uneven bars, which is the highest score so far. Beam world champion Ling is leading her teammates Yang Yun, on 9.775 and Huang Mandan, on 9.762 to sweep the top three spots in the event. The top scorer on the beam event for the time being is Ling, too. Veteran Liu Xuan held the second place with a 9.712 to Ling's 9.762. Their teammate Dong Fangxiao gained a 9.518 on the vault, where China's top gymnast Kui Yuanyuan twisted her ankle, and is right now leading the field. Yang Yun, an exciting newcomer who combines beauty and technique, took the early initiative in the individual all-around rankings. The 16-year-old gymnast amassed 38.424 points after four apparatus, with teammate Dong Fangxiao's 38.230 in the second spot. China's arch rivals Russia and Romania will take the stage this afternoon. |
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