Results
DOHA, Qatar - Illini sophomore Clay Mason Stephens and 2018 graduate Tyson Bull wrapped up the qualification round at the 2018 World Gymnastics Championships on Friday. The pair led the way for Team Australia, as Stephens earned the country's top all-around total and Bull placed 11th overall on high bar. Bull's 14.066 high bar score was just one-tenth of a point shy of advancing and three-tenths of a point shy of a medal position.
"The competition was a bit bitter sweet as we fell inches short of our goals," Illinois associate head coach and Aussie Team coach, Daniel Ribeiro said. "With that being said, it was not to a lack of effort as these young men gave everything they had, to do their absolute best and with falling just short of our goals, I think it proved to the guys that they can do it!"
Australia failed to qualify for Monday's team final, finishing 25th overall with a team total of 232.325. Russia paced the field with a 258.402, followed by China (258.836), Japan (253.312) and Team USA (250.362).
The top eight teams from the qualification rounds compete in the team finals Monday, Oct. 29. The top 24 all-arounders from qualifications advance to the all-around finals on Wednesday, Oct. 31, while the top eight on each event from the qualification round move on to the individual apparatus finals on Nov. 2-3.
The three countries that medal in the team finals advance to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
"Clay came back after only two months of training following an ACL surgery and competed in the all around at the world championships for the first time. I think this was an amazing experience for him and once we can actually get back a train some upgrades he will be able to prove that he can compete with the best in the world in the all around and that is our goal for next year's world championships."
| 2018 World Gymnastics Championships |
| Gymnast |
Qualification Round |
| Clay Mason Stephens |
Floor: 13.433
P Horse: 10.666
Rings: 12.466
Vault: 14.066
P Bars: 12.966
H Bar: 12.633
AA: 76.230
|
| Tyson Bull |
P Horse: 8.133
Rings: 12.400
P Bars: 12.866
High Bar: 14.066
|
Follow the Illini
Stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com for all the latest information on Fighting Illini Men's Gymnastics. Follow the Orange and Blue on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for even more coverage.
