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Shanghai success means nothing: coach
By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-08-01 08:32
China's gymnastics head coach has rained on the golden parade his team made of last weekend's World Cup Gymnastics meet in Shanghai, pinpointing September's World Championships as the real challenge.
Lu revealed powerhouses Japan and the US did not send their best gymnasts to the Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) event, while other foreign stars like Russian Olympic champion Elena Zamolodchikova were also absent.
"There is nothing to cheer about," downplayed the sober coach after China bagged nine of ten possible gold medals.
"Some of the world's best athletes did not show up while most of them in Shanghai were no challengers at all.
"We should not be too optimistic ahead of world championships."
What did delight Lu, however, was the experience and confidence his young charges gained ahead of the world championships and next year's Beijing Olympics.
"What means more for the team is how they are disciplined during the competitions rather than the gold medal," he said.
"The results are within the expectations and wins at least will help boost youngsters confidence and give them more experiences."
China's vaulting horse world champion and women's team leader Cheng Fei upheld her status with another faultless performance and a win on the balance beam, while teenager Jiang Yuyuan matched her teammate's double in the floor exercise and uneven bars.
Lu singled out the duo for praise and hinted the 15-year-old Jiang was a probable for the yet-to-be-picked squad for the global titles in Germany next month.
"Compared to other young players, Cheng has been a veteran in the national team and proved herself with convincing and stable performances," Lu said.
"And Jiang Yuyuan was so impressive during her world cup debut. Those two athletes' performances make me satisfied most.
"Jiang has got the upper hand during the battle for the world championships spot."
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