Trampoline Olympic champion Anna Dogonadze said on Saturday that she had believed before the qualification that China's Huang Shanshan would capture the Olympic gold in Beijing.
"I had thought Huang stands the best chance to claim the world title in the Beijing Olympic Games. I am sorry she did not make the finals. I really wanted her to," said Dogonadeze.
Huang was regarded as one of the favorites as she was the leading trampolinist of China. Huang got the bronze in women's individual competition of the Athens Olympics and was the first Chinese to win an Olympic medal in the event.
The hopeful however faltered in the ninth move of her second routine in the qualification on Saturday. Her teammate He Wenna had to represent China alone in the final. He will face the challenge from Irina Karavaeva from Russia, Canada's Karen Cockburn and Dogonadze.
Karavaeva proved her competence in the world championships last year by claiming the gold. Cockburn was the silver medalist in the Athens Olympics while Dogonadze took the Olympic gold four years ago.
Dogonadze, who represents Germany, told reporters she was not optimistic about her prospect in the final because of her injury in the back. She only took part in podium training before the qualification.
"I have not experienced any pain lately. I will train tomorrow and visit the doctor. If I can perform my routine well, I will go for the fourth or fifth place, " said she.
(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2008)