What to expect in the women's all-around competition

The day of reckoning for the world’s greatest female gymnast has arrived - can Simon Biles of the USA regain the world title she last held in 2019? Which gymnasts can push her all the way? Who will shine bright in the city of diamonds?

Simone topped the individual all-around rankings after qualifications, and there is every reason to suspect she will emerge victorious again this evening. She has the difficulty and the poise to do it. But just one slip, wobble or fall - uncharacteristic but not unheard of from her - could open the door to others.

All of last year’s medallists are back in action. 2022 world champion, Rebeca Andrade of Brazil will be one of those knocking on the door. Qualified in fourth place with a new floor routine on offer, she is strongly tipped to make the medal podium.

2022 all-around silver medallist Shilese Jones (USA) has technically beautiful routines with great execution, which should help her overcome a relative lack of difficulty on some events. The 2022 all-around bronze medallist Jessica Gadirova of Great Britain completes the quartet who are likely to dominate the competition.

Also back in action are Canada’s Elsabeth Black, fifth last year and fifth in qualifications this year, and China’s Ou Yushan, seventh last year and ninth in qualifications this year. Both of these gymnasts have contrasting styles of gymnastics that will add an extra dimension to the competition.

Watch out also for French star Melanie de Jesus dos Santos to make an impact. This 23-year-old has won several medals over the years, most notably becoming European all-around champion in 2019. Inspired by her team’s success at qualifying to the Olympic Games in their home country, she could well be knocking on the door to success too.

The competition starts at 19.30 and the outcome should be known by 22.00.

Competition continues tomorrow with the first day of apparatus finals