Khorhina Shines, Russia Take Lead in Olympic GymnasticsReigning Olympic champion Svetlana Khorkina rendered a perfect routine on the uneven bars as Russia took the lead in the women's qualifications at Sydney SuperDome this afternoon.Russia finished their four apparatus with a total of 154.874 points, beating world champions Romania's 153.991 into the second place. China, who had temporarily been leading the field after the morning session, was pushed back to third on 153.388. Khorkina, who has won all the major title on the bars since 1995 world championships, brought about a full house of roaring applause after her flawless performance in her specialty. The judges was convinced to show a 9.850, the day's highest mark so far. The 21-year-old Russian sweetheart enjoyed a great day, standing second on the vault and floor with a 9.731 and 9.762 respectively and well-poised to qualify for the individual finals. Khorkina, accumulating 39.005 points on four apparatus, was also the top scorer of the all-around competition. Romania's world floor champion Andrea Raducan placed the second with a 38.717, while her teammate Simona Amanar the third on 38.700. The last session of the women's qualifying event begins 8:00pm. |
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