Beijing Olympic Games

Updated: 2008-08-24 02:06:58

(BEIJING, August 24) — Belarus leads the way into Sunday’s Group finals at the Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium after earning the highest score in qualifying (34.950 points).

The current World Championship bronze medalist impressed judges with two elegant performances, the first using five Ropes and the second using two Clubs and three Hoops.

Russia inched in behind them with 34.700 points. The reigning world champion and Athens 2004 and Sydney 2000 gold medalist struggled during day one of qualifications, but managed to improve their standing with a near-flawless routine on day two.

The third-ranked qualifier is China, who finished ninth at the 2007 World Championships. The host country is bidding for its first Olympic Group All-Around medal.

Athens 2004 silver and bronze medalists, Italy and Bulgaria, rounded off the top five.

The top eight teams from the qualification round will advance to Sunday’s finals and perform two routines, one with five Ropes and the other with two Clubs and three Hoops. But their points do not carry over.