Smith's coach defends difficult World Championship routine

By Holly Hamilton and Kathryn Catney, Sportsbeat, at the 02 Arena

 LOUIS Smith's coach has defended the decision to risk a high difficulty pommel horse routine at the World Gymnastics Championships in London.

HEAVEN HELP ME: Louis Smith looks for answers after failing impress at the World Championships in London

The British star finished last in his event after coming off the horse early in his performance. 

The Olympic bronze medallist now has three years to perfect the same routine before London 2012 but Smith's coach, Paul Hall, has no regrets about the decision that cost him a medal.
 
"It was a risk to go all out but it was a good experience for him," said Hall.
 
"It's the highs and lows of sport, it's disappointing but he'll pick himself up.
 
"It's not like running the 100 metres - there is no certainty but we have a competition in Stuttgart soon and he will bounce back."
 
Usually so reliable under pressure, expectations were high for Smith to improve on his performance in Beijing last year.
 
First up to perform, his home crowd was shocked to see his concentration falter as the new face of British gymnastics lost his rhythm to devastating effect.
 
"This is probably about the third time he has fallen in a competition out of 30 odd times," added Hall.
 
"It has been a difficult time for Louis as he's had a few injuries but everything is now geared towards London in three years time.
 
"I am still very proud of him and he is certainly a great talent."