Downie backs Derwael to shine in bars final

Becky Downie believes the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships are the most unpredictable in recent memory but is backing Olympic champion Nina Derwael to shine on uneven bars.

Downie claimed silver on the apparatus in 2019 and is currently in Liverpool watching on as an ambassador at the M&S Bank Arena. 

The 30-year-old, currently injured, has eyes firmly fixed on a place at the Paris 2024 Olympics having also missed out on representing Great Britain in Tokyo.

If she makes it, she is likely to be up against Belgian superstar Derwael and Downie has earmarked her as the one to watch at these Championships with under two years to go to Paris.

“I’m really interested in seeing what Nina brings to the table for these Championships because she hasn’t been at a competition since the Olympic Games,” said Downie. 

“For me personally, going forwards and looking towards Paris, I know she’s a huge bar worker and one of my biggest rivals so it’s really useful to see the difficulty level she’s putting out. 

“I’m excited to see that top eight, what the difficulty is and where the standard is.  

“Everyone will come away from these champs seeing where the new baseline is since the new coding, how to we build for that.” 

Derwael will be joined in the final by highest qualifier Luo Rui of China, while Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade is out to build on her historic all-around gold.

Shilese Jones is another gunning for her second gold of the week, having helped USA win a record-breaking sixth straight team title earlier in the week, when the uneven bars final gets underway at around 4pm GMT on Saturday in Liverpool.

And Downie knows exactly what she’s looking for in a world championship winning routine. 

“Good, clean handstand lines – regardless of what code of points it is, you can’t escape not hitting your handstands,” she added.

“Stuck landings on dismounts. This new code has made bars pretty difficult, it’s more towards big releases that gets you the bonuses.”

While Downie is eager to be back out competing, the two-time world medallist has been busy inspiring the next generation in Liverpool with regular visits to the fan zone.

World champions Max Whitlock and Beth Tweddle have also been making appearances, hosting Q&As and interacting with fans hoping to hear what it takes to be the very best.

“It’s been really cool to come down and see the space,” she added. “I think the fan zone is a really good idea.

“It’s nice that people that don’t have tickets or aren’t necessarily fans can also come in, access, and learn about the sport.

“To not be competing but to be able to come in and experience it in a different way, meet the fans and hopefully have a positive impact has been really nice.

“For me personally, because I feel like I’ve been away from competition for so long, it’s been nice to get a foot back in the environment.”

The World Gymnastics Championships Liverpool 2022 will be one of the largest international sporting events ever to be held in the city. Over 500 gymnasts from more than 70 countries will compete at the M&S Bank Arena from 29 October to 6 November 2022. Tickets are available at www.2022worldgymnastics.com/tickets.