TOKYO (AP) — Germany is right where it was last year, finishing behind the United States in qualifying at the world gymnastics championships Sunday.
The Germans are third with 354.132 points, but Olympic champion China, Russia, South Korea and Britain compete Monday. Still, the Germans are all but certain of staying in the top eight and earning a spot at next summer’s London Olympics. Team finals are Wednesday night.
Germany trailed the United States in qualifying last year, than overtook the Americans in the team final to win the bronze medal. But they will have to clean up their mistakes on pommel horse to have a chance of repeating that result this year, with Fabian Hambuechen and Philipp Boy both falling off.
