LAS VEGAS - University of Illinois men's gymnast Linh Hoang placed 11th in the first preliminary round of competition at the 2000 U.S. Winter Cup held at the Pepsi/All-Sport in Las Vegas, Nev. Friday night.

With his mark of 49.850 in the all-around, Hoang (Houston, Texas) has the opportunity to be among the top 36 of the 72 gymnasts competing on Friday to qualify for Saturday's second round. Compeition on Saturday will narrow the 36 gymnasts down to 14 who will represent the United States on the National Team. Forty gymnasts made up the early session, the remaining 32 are currently competing. Hoang's high score came on still rings with a mark of 9.05.

The Illini had two other gymnasts at the USGF meet, sophomore Sean-Paul Crawford placed 31st in the first round, while former Illini Kyle Zak finished 34th.

The top 36 qualifiers for Saturday will be determined following the second preliminary round action. Team Texaco's Sean Townsend of Houston, Texas won the early round with an all-around mark of 56.25.

ILLINOIS GYMNASTS AT WINTER CUP

11.Linh Hoang           49.85
31.Sean-Paul Crawford   45.65
34.Kyle Zak             44.75