TOKYO (AP) — Romania has the lead after the first qualifying session at the world gymnastics championships.
Australia goes later Friday, and the United States, defending champion Russia and China all compete Saturday. Team finals are Tuesday, with the top eight securing spots at the London Olympics.
This wasn’t Romania’s sharpest effort, with Ana Porgras taking a big bounce out of bounds on floor and tiny Diana Bulimar falling on balance beam and uneven bars. But Romania, trying to return to the medals podium after finishing fourth last year, got a solid effort from triple Olympic gold medalist Catalina Ponor, who came out of retirement earlier this year.
Ponor had the highest individual score through three events.
