TOKYO (AP) — Britain has qualified for the London Olympics, finishing eighth in prelims at the world gymnastics championships Saturday night.
The top eight teams here earned trips to London, with the next eight having to go to a second qualifier in January to determine the final four spots. The British had hoped to avoid that, and they did — barely. They finished with 220.553 points and knocked Italy (219.578) down another spot. Japan also qualified, finishing fifth.
The Americans finished with the top score in qualifying, responding to the loss of Beijing Olympic captain Alicia Sacramone with a commanding performance that put them more than three points ahead of defending champion Russia. China was third.
The team finals are Tuesday night.
