Preview Apparatus Final – Day 1

LONDON (GBR), FIG Office, October 17, 2009: After two days of fascinating All-around competitions, spectators in the O2 will get the chance to see the specialists performing in the Apparatus Finals over the weekend.

Men’s Apparatus Finals

The Apparatus Finals are split over two days with British interests on this first day lying with Louis Smith in the Pommel Horse Finals.

Pommel Horse

From an initial 132 entries the Qualification Tournament has found just eight men who have earned the right to challenge for the title of Pommel Horse World Champion 2009. But what will separate these eight men?
Clearly on this apparatus balance is crucial as a “fall” can result from the smallest of balance errors. The speed and accuracy of the hand changes and the critical movement of weight across the horse can be lost and all hopes of a medal dashed.
A medal can be won by selecting a high value with a guaranteed performance. But to win Gold the need to chase “difficulty” is essential. Britain’s Louis Smith and Kristian Berki of Hungary qualified on 6.7 worth of difficulty. Louis has won Bronze before and must decide if he should add to that collection or go for Gold by adding another two tenths of value and include two handstand shears at the start. It is a big risk. At this level the difference between claiming Gold and nothing is “self belief”. Louis is not a man to sit comfortably on the sofa when the competition has started.
Hongtao Zhang (CHN) and Prashanth Sellathuria (AUS), are both extremes of swing, impressive and clean. They will be a major threat to both Berki and Smith.

Floor

There are some great Floor gymnasts who will be watching this final. Diego Hypolito of Brazil and Rafael Martinez of Spain, both legends on Floor, did not cut the mustard in the qualifications. Marian Dragalescu of Romania has powered his way back into the equation. So we have three of the biggest “jumpers” in the business today Kohei Uchimura of Japan, Marian Dragalescu of Romania and Kai Zou of China. Prepare to be amazed at what these men can do with just a pair of legs.

Rings

The smallest of the exclusive “”Finals Clubs”. These select few men can exhibit the most awesome strength and maintain their status for a generation beyond the more dynamic apparatus. Jordan Jovtchev of Bulgaria and Matteo Morandi of Italy are the Grandmasters of Rings. Yan Mingyong of China and Oleksandr Vorobiov of Russia relative youngsters in this club. Most often the dismount is the added tenth that determines the colour of the medal; watch out for Jovtchev’s double straight somersault with full twist. For pure power watch Yan Mingyong, his transitions from strength to strength positions look impossible for any human to perform.

Women’s Apparatus Finals

Vault

The first piece of apparatus that will be contested by the girls today will be the Vault. The Olympic Champion Un Jong Hong (PRK) will be the favourite but it is possible that she will be pushed all the way by American newcomer, Kayla Williams, who was top in qualification. European Champion on this piece Ariella Kaeslin (SUI) will be hoping for a medal along with the Russian Anna Myzdrikova.

Uneven Bars

Unfortunately 2006 World Champion Beth Tweddle will not be present in the final having fallen in Qualification on Wednesday. However, this Final will be very exciting with He Kexin (CHN) knowing the Gold medal is likely to be her’s if she hits her routine, which is the most difficult of all the finalists. Beyond the Chinese gymnast the competition is likely to be tightly contested with newly crowned World Champion Bridget Sloan (USA) and teammate Rebecca Bross in a good position along with All-around Bronze medallist here, Koko Tsurumi (JPN) and Yong Hwa Cha (PRK).

(souce: British Gymnastics, adapt. FIG)