Romania starlet deposes Russia, eyes Olympics

A sparkling performance from 15-year-old Larisa Iordache helped Romania depose defending champions Russia in the team event at the women's European championships on Saturday. Iordache starred on the floor to lead the 2008 champions to 176.288 points ahead of world runners-up Russia on 175.536. Italy claimed third place. "You can see the result. You have the experienced competitors, Olympic champions who came with all the experience and the younger ones who bring joy and dynamism to the sport," said Romania coach Octavian Bellu. As well as the precocious talents of Iordache, Romania featured Catalina Ponor, a triple gold medallist from the 2004 Athens Olympics, and Sandra Izbasa, who won gold on the floor at the 2008 Beijing Games. That solid trio will make Romania the leading European challenge at this year's London Olympics where China and the United States are tipped to dominate.