 China's star Yang Wei had a mixed day in the men's qualifying |
China overcame a dramatic fall by their star Yang Wei to take an early lead in the men's qualifying at the World Gymnastics Championships in Denmark. Yang tumbled from the high bar while there was more drama moments later when his team-mate Xiao Qin also fell.
Despite that, China finished with 370.45 points, 2.7 more than Olympic champions Japan with Russia in third place, just ahead of Romania.
Great Britain enjoyed a good day to finish in 13th place on 347.45 points.
But with only the top eight to advance, they miss out on the finals
Italy also failed to advance when Olympic high bar champion Igor Cassina also took a fall off the bar.
Although he finished his routine, he suffered a bruised chest and had to withdraw midway through his next event, the pommel horse.
China, who only finished fifth at the last Olympics in Athens, are keen to make a big impact ahead of the Beijing Games in 2008.
"We did well," said Chinese coach Bai Yuanshao. "We've got some young people competing for the first time and we can do better."