ROTTERDAM, Netherlands: A brilliant all-around performance by Aliya Mustafina led Russia past China and into the provisional lead of the women's team qualifying at the world gymnastics championships Saturday. With the US women still to come early Sunday, the traditional powers of Russia, China and Romania topped the standings. But there was nothing old-fashioned about 16-year-old newcomer Mustafina. With stunning elevation on the floor and vault exercises topped with a natural grace, she took the lead in the individual standings with 60.666 points, holding a huge 2.567 margin over Jiang Yuyan of China. On top of her youthful vigor, she also showed composure. She competed as a junior at the European championships this year and helped Russia win that team title. She finished second in the all-around to Tatiana Nabieva, who was in provisional sixth place Saturday. Together, they led Russia to 234.521 points, for a small lead over China with 233.778. The Russians were in the last group of competitors on the opening day and showed all the eagerness a day of waiting brings. They had been shut out of the podium at the Beijing Games and were expected to bounce back here. They did not disappoint the 5,000 fans at the Ahoy venue. Not only was Beijing the first time since 1948 that Russia didn't win a team medal in an Olympics they competed in, they also failed to win a single individual medal either. Despite two spills on the beam, Romania was in third place with 228.495, well ahead of Britain on 224.921. The team final is Wednesday. Romania took bronze at the Beijing Games, where China won ahead of the United States. The team event was not held at the London world championships last year. With its strong showing in the individual all-around over the past few years, the US team will certainly be considered a strong challenger, but defending all-around champion Bridget Sloan will be limited to the uneven bars and floor only because she has struggled with ankle and shoulder injuries. Despite a shin inflammation, last year's runner-up Rebecca Bross will compete in all four disciplines.
