Two fantastic results for English Gymnasts, two men in the top 6 of the World Championships. Daniel Keatings World Silver Medal and Kristian Thomas rank 6. Congratulations also go to their coaches, Paul Hall and Michell Bradley and clubs Huntingdon and Earls.

Seeded by qualification rankings the best gymnasts in the world put their ambitions and ability to competitive test in the O2 Dome. Daniel Keatings from Kettering joined the top-qualifying group on Floor, all with a realistic chance of a medal. From the chasing groups Kazuhito Tanaka had a second chance to prove that his errors of previous days were not a reflection of his true ability.

After the first round Benoit Caranobe of France with the advantage of a Vault start headed the field with Kristian Thomas 19th. Until the leading group passes through Vault predictions are very tricky.

Of the leading group, Uchimura was half a mark ahead of Kuksenkov and Devyatovsky with Dan Keatings 1.4 behind (5th of the leading group).
At the end of the second round 2 Uchimura had made himself the absolute leader with or without Vault. Dan Keatings has closed the gap and was well placed for a podium finish, 2nd of the leading group. He needed the cushion before Rings.

At the half way point Kristian Thomas had vaulted ahead of Dan Keatings, but it was still Uchimura forging ahead, Kuksenkov then Dan Keatings for the prospect of medals. The 4th round, with the vault anomaly wiped out the scoreboard would tell the true story.

With 4 apparatus completed no one was anywhere near to Uchimura but Dan Keatings had vaulted his way into second place. However, Keatings, Mcneill, and Ryanzanov were holding the result to no more than the odd bent leg or step on landing.

Into the last rotation Kristian Thomas was 9th. Uchimura was well in front with Dan Keatings holding the Silver by 8 tenths from Tanaka, Ryanzanov and Mcneill. Keatings was on his way to the greatest reward, a World medal. Only high bar to go.

Dan Keatings wrote a new chapter for British Gymnastics with a World Silver medal as he closed his tournament with high bar and a sweet routine for 14.475, 88.925 and World SILVER.

Kristian Thomas 87.35 and 6th place, a memorable result from the promising gymnast from Wolverhampton.

Kohei Uchimura brought the Championships to a close with an exhibition on high bar, 8 somersaults and 3 twists, 14.975, 91.5 and the title WORLD CHAMPION 2009.  We should all bow to man who has won the World Crown with two and a half points to spare.