The Romanian women gymnastics team could have a better performance if they make the final at the Beijing Olympics, head coach Nicolae Forminte said on Sunday.
"I am satisfied with their performance as there was no major mistake in the execution, but they can do a better job," said Forminte.
"I hope to see the best level in the final. As for whether we can advance to the final, I am not sure and have to see in the evening."
Romania now ranks second in the qualification round with 238.425 points, following China at 248.275 points. The United States, also a title contender, is scheduled for the afternoon session.
Andreea Acatrinei fell from the beam and contributed only 14.175 points to her contingent.
The coach said that he could have used Andreea Grigore, but she lacks consistency.
"Acatrinei had better training and was more consistent before the competition. That is why I chose her rather than Grigore. But that (the fall) happened. That is gymnastics," Forminte told reporters at the mixed zone.
The head coach complimented leading gymnast Steliana Nistor, who is struggling a backache.
"She is a fighter and has lots of talent. I have known that and I hope she will recover and make the final...I am sure she will do better and better," said Forminte.
Nistor captured silver in balance beam and all-around in the 2007 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.
Forminte refused to predict his team's medal prospects, but revealed that he was hopeful Nistor can qualify for the uneven bars final and Sandra Izbaza can march into the final of floor exercise.
Izbaza admitted that the gap between China and Romania is huge, but she believed the Romanian girls can capture bronze in the team event.
"For the final, we need to be in better more self-control," said Izbaza, who won silver in balance beam at the 2006 World Championships in Denmark.
Commenting on China's performance in the qualification round, Forminte said China has done a great job, but the result is still a suspense.
"No matter what they did in the qualification, that is qualification, not the final. Let us see what happens then," he added.
(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)