Many of the world's premier gymnasts are expected in Shanghai as part of their final preparations for the World Championships in the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) 2007 World Cup in Shanghai from July 27 to 29 at the Shanghai International Gymnastics Center.

The event represents the last A-level World Cup competition before the 2007 World Artistic Gymnastic Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. At the same time, it also offers elite athletes the chance to chart their progress and size up the competition in the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games.

Last year's World Cup in Shanghai represented the first time a major international gymnastics competition has taken place in China since 1999. Over 100 elite athletes from 17 countries took part and China won 8 of 10 events.

This year, China will face increased competition as the number of participating teams has increased from 18 to 30 nations and regions, including rivals Russia and Japan.

The event features six men's and four women's individual events. The Chinese Gymnastics Association (CGA) recently announced stalwarts like reigning world champion Cheng Fei, Pang Panpan, Xiao Tingting and youngster Jiang Jueyuan will take part in the women's events.

Cheng is the first Chinese woman to win a gold medal in the vault event at the World Championships. At the 2005 World Championships, she not only won a historic gold for China, she also became the first ever gymnast to successfully pull off the laid-out Khorkina (a round-off, half-turn onto the vault, followed by a 540-degree twist in the laid out position). This move is perhaps the most difficult vault ever attempted by a female gymnast and is now officially named "The Cheng".

Pang is another top Chinese gymnast to watch in the women's individual events. Nicknamed "Oriental Beauty", the Hebei native took gold in the beam and silver in the floor exercise in last year's World Cup.

In terms of the men's team, China will be fielding a team that includes several veterans and some newcomers. They include reigning pommel horse world champion Xiao Qin, Huang Xu, Cheng Yibing, Feng Zhe, Zou Kai and Yan Mingyong.

"The World Cup is the last major test before this year's World Championships and a win in Shanghai can give them confidence heading into the World Championships," said CGA Vice President Gao Jian. "Our gymnasts will be eager to perfect their routines and show their class."

Last year, China swept all four gold medals in the women's event and won four of six gold medals in the men's events.

(China Daily July 13, 2007)