Deng promises more after claiming balance beam world title

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

 CHINA'S Linlin Deng insisted the best was yet to come after landing balance beam gold at the World Gymnastics Championships in London.

STUNNING: China's Linlin Deng wins the balance beam world title at London's 02 Arena (Getty Images)

Deng produced a stunning routine to beat off the challenge of Australia's Lauren Mitchell and American Ivana Hong, who completed the podium.

"Coming here is only the beginning for me," said Deng.

Meanwhile, all that glittered was silver for Mitchell, who also finished second in the floor final, won by Great Britain's Beth Tweddle.

"I did not watch the others compete because I was in the training gym. I didn't know any of the scores before I got out there," said Mitchell, the eighth and final gymnast on the beam.

"However, as soon as I landed my dismount , I knew I had got it."

Hong improved one place on her qualifying performance and, despite a slight wobble, combined superb control with strong difficulty marks to claim bronze.

"This has made me stronger and has been a great experience, the crowd were very supportive," said the 16-year old.
 
"I am very pleased with my performance out there today although it was not my best routine I was able to hold on and get on that podium.
 
"I didn't get all my connections but I was able to control it."
 
After qualifying first, 15-year-old Romanian Ana Porgras was distraught after a fall meant she finished way off the medals in seventh.
 
"For me this is just the beginning, I am so disappointed to let myself down like that but I will bounce back," she said.