NANJING, East China, Oct. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese gymnastics women's head coach Lu Shanzhen is confident that the mini girls, branded as beam and uneven bars specialists, have been able to compete with world top vault athletes.

    Cheng Fei, coached by Lu Shanzhen in person, scored 9.700 points for her successful first attempt in women's qualification at the 10th National Games here on Sunday.

    "It's a breakthrough even for Chinese gymnastics since our women are considered long-time minnows on vault and floor, which requires strong legs," said Lu.

    The new routine, developed in national team's winter training, made Cheng become the first Chinese woman who could complete a maneuver of 10-point starting value.

    And only a couple of female gymnasts in the world could do that, according to Lu.

    Cheng shone on floor as well. She led the group in 9.817 pointsafter a difficult maneuver, also of a 10-point starting value.

    "Some of Cheng's teammates also improved noticeably on vault and floor although they can't be compared to her at present," Lu said.

    "But I'm sure they, as a whole, can pose a real threat to worldvault power such as Romania," Lu noted. Enditem