Feb. 9, 2007

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Junior Tim McNeill, the reigning NCAA champion on pommel horse, qualified for the final of the Winter Cup with a score of 23 points in the preliminary session, Thursday night at the Las Vegas Sports Center. The gymnasts competing in this meet are trying to earn a spot on the United States Men's Senior National team.

McNeill came in first on parallel bars with a score of 15.650. He also earned two fifth-place finishes, on pommel horse (14.650) and still rings (15.150). The first-place finish earned him 11 points and the two fifth-place finishes were good for six each. The points are awarded for placement on each apparatus and, when totaled, provide a ranking to determine who will earn spots on the national team.

A total of seven gymnasts will be added to the national team following the Winter Cup. The top three gymnasts in the points ranking will be automatically selected to the team, while the final four gymnasts will be selected from the Winter Cup Challenge participants and petitioned athletes by the Men's Program Committee.

Some gymnasts participating were part of the 2006 World Championship Team. They will remain on the national team, and their results don't count towards the seven who will be selected. McNeill's 23 points put him in a good position to make the team. Among gymnasts trying to make the team, McNeill is four points behind the current leader, Sean Townsend.

McNeill was one of two Golden Bears competing in the Winter Cup. He was joined by junior Tyler Block, who fell short of qualifying for the final.

The Winter Cup final takes place Saturday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Las Vegas Sports Center.

For complete tournament results: click here