MADRID (ESP), FIG Office, December 11, 2008: Last minute cancellations were inevitable, forcing the FIG to flesh out the starting grid with new invites. Withdrawing federations gave injury and poor shape as reasons for cancellation.

In Women's Artistic, Mexico's Elsa Garcia falls into line on Floor (1st at the 2007 WCup in Cottbus) and Vault (4th at the 2008 WCup in Barcelona), two apparatus that she masters perfectly. Hong Kong’s Wong Hiu Ying Angel has also appeared on the scene for her first participation in a competition of this scale. We’re excited to see her perform.

In Men's, Saso Bertoncelj of Slovenia will be performing on his signature apparatus, the Pommel Horse (2008 WCup: 2nd Ostrava, 6th Barcelona, 8th Glasgow and 11th at the 2008 European Championships in Lausanne). Spaniard Isaac Botella Perez, a native of Elche, has also confirmed his participation. Specialised in Vault, he finished 8th at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and 1st at the World Cup in Barcelona this year.

Initial warm-ups Thursday afternoon and Friday. First finals Saturday at 18:00.