REPORT - WAG TEAM & AA Final - Subdivision 2

China and Japan were in the keen battle for the team tite in the second subdivision. As the host country of the meet, Japan had a good chance to challenge the Olympic Champion, China.

The first rotation began the exciting meet to see. Japan had small mistakes but only one fall cuont the total. In contrast, China suffered on their favorite event, beam, having three falls and one big mistake in dismount. China did not gain the total score more than 40. Japan easily took the lead.

China did not perform the difficult set of routine on floor, not having E difficulty. Japan had two falls but each score was not giving a damage to the lead over China.

Taking more lead, Japan was very consistent on floor. They had more difficult skills than that of Chinese. Especially Mai Murakami unveiled the world-class set of tumbling pass: tucked double-double mount; punch double twisting front to layout punch front; piked double; triple twist dismount. China vaulted mostly Yurcheno full. ZHOU's double twisting Tsukahara was a great stunt.

Considering the potential of Chinese on bars, Japan needed to do just their best but they did it; Sasada and Taniguchi hit their double twisting Yurcheno and Teramato hit one and a half twisting Yurchenko. China had to perform their routine cleanly but the leadoff completely paused during the routine. The rest of them were just awsome. The Chinese traditional Ono turn or el-grip elements were obviously the world-class, but the could not reach Japan. FInally... Japan beat China for the first time and took the second team tite at these championships!!

In the all-around, Taniguchi won the title over two Chinese. As the result, Japan took two titles tonight. A very memorial day for the host country!

by Toshiaki Fujii