By Vera Atkinson FIG Editor.

Beijing (CHN) NIS FIG Office, August 13, 2008: Twenty-four men gymnasts representing 16 countries from 3 continents (4 Asia, 8 Europe, 4 PAGU) will fight for the medals in the "Blue Ribbon" Individual All-Around Final on Thursday, 14 August 2008 in Beijing.

The fact that 15 out of the 24 scored 90.00pts. or more fully represents a great and positive revival, and also demonstrates the worldwide growth of Men's Gymnastics at the highest level. Five nations from the might who batted for the Team title have representatives (CHN, JPN, KOR, RUS, FRA).

The 2006 and 2007 World Champion YANG Wei (CHN), the leader from the Qualifications, is obviously the favourite, but he cannot afford any errors.

Fabian Hambuechen from Germany (World Silver medallist in 2007), KIM Daeeun (KOR), 2004 Olympic Silver medallist and the 19-year old brilliant Uchimura Kohei (JPN), are proven all-around greats and hungry for medal success.

Of the remainder Horton (USA), Martinez (ESP) and Savitski (BLR) could challenge the top group.

The youngest competitor in this final is Daniel Keatings (GBR), 18, Junior European Champion in Lausanne (SUI), who qualified with 88.950. Now he has the opportunity to break 90.00pts in his first Olympic Final.

This promises to be an interesting, high quality and exciting Final!