China's Lu Chunlong scored an overall of 72.40 points to lead the Olympic men's trampoline qualification on Saturday.

His compatriot Dong Zhen placed second in 71.70 with Dmitry Ushakov of Russia a close third in 71.50. Reigning Olympic champion Nikitin Yuriy of Ukraine also advanced into the final, placing fourth in 70.70.

Lu joined his compatriot He Wenna, who led women's qualification earlier, on top of the qualifications.

"I was so happy to hear the crowd cheering for me. I had thought I would be nervous but I was not," said Lu, still excited by his own performance.

He also led the first routine with 31.20 points and a joint highest score of 41.20 put him firm on top of the field.

In contrast to the women's event which featured a bunch of trouble, the majority of the men trampolinists gave their bests, finishing all their ten elements in wows and oups from the spectators.

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2008)