Irish gymnastics star Rhys McClenaghan has qualified in first place for Saturday's pommel horse final at the World Gymnastics Championships.
The 23-year-old took to the floor earlier today and performed magnificently, earning a score of 15.33 at the prestigious event in Liverpool.
A bronze medalist in 2019, the County Down man failed to make the final at last year's Championships in Japan. There was no such drama this time around though, and the European Champion of 2018 will be among the favourites when he takes to the floor on Saturday afternoon.
READ MORE: 2023 Dublin Marathon system revealed
"I felt very confident today, it felt like another day of training although with a few more Irish fans which made the occasion much more special," said McClenaghan.
"I know it's only 50% of the job done, I’ve got another routine to do in the finals and I’m looking forward to that.
"I hope that the Irish fans will come out in their numbers once again and support me, an Irish gymnast in the pommel horse final."
McClenaghan will be going for a second major medal in what has been and down season. A silver medal was secured at the Commonwealth Games in the summer, while a shock exit from the European Championships shortly followed that success.
RTE 2 will be showing live coverage of the pommel horse final from 3:30pm on Saturday, with a streaming option available via RTE Player.
READ NEXT:
Chantelle Cameron wants Katie Taylor if she defeats Jessica McCaskill
Longford on lookout for new manager after Gary Cronin resigns
Roy Keane pokes fun at Gary Neville after Cristiano Ronaldo snub
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
