Soviets Take Big Leads at World Gym Meet

The Soviet Union took commanding leads in the men’s and women’s events during the first session of the compulsory exercises at the world gymnastics championships at Stuttgart, West Germany.

After three of the six gymnasts on each team completed their series, the Soviet men scored 174.800 points out of a possible 180. China trailed by 3.1 points and Japan by 4.8.

Led by Valentin Moguilni, the Soviets took the top three places and were in good position to retain the world championship.

With a third of the women’s compulsory series completed, the Soviets led with 78.486 points out of 80. China was second with 77.849, and defending champion Romania was third with 77.062.

With reigning European champion Svetlana Boginskaya still to come, the Soviets appeared on their way to reclaiming the title they lost two years ago.