Tweddle success but teen Francis shines at nationals

EUROPEAN champion Beth Tweddle claimed the bars title at the women's British Gymnastics Championships - but it was teenager Danusia Francis who was the big winner in Guildford.

Tweddle - who didn't compete in the floor event, in which she is the defending world champion, beat Nicole Hibbert and all-around gold medallist Hannah Whelan to add to her collection of British titles.

But Francis, 16, claimed double gold, beating Niamh Rippin to win the floor and edging out Whelan to claim the beam - a solid weekend's endeavour, which also include a bronze medal in the all-around competition.

Imogen Cairns won the vault ahead of Marissa King and Hibbert.

Britain will send their first choice team to the World Championships in Rotterdam this October and, because the events clash, their rising stars will travel to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

It means Tweddle - who missed the 2006 Games in Melbourne through injury - will not be adding to the collection of three medals, including a gold, she won eight years ago in Manchester.