Their poor performance in Aarhus, Denmark, meant that none of them would make the cut for the 2008 Olympics.

The World Championships gives gymnasts from all continents an opportunity to accumulate points and qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

With 60 qualifying slots up for grabs, Thitipong and Ratchawat finished with 120 and 124, respectively, in the all-around competition, which featured 200 participants. The Thais, however, get another chance - albeit a nearly impossible one - next year with 37 berths on offer in a World Cup event in Stuttgart, Germany.

Sarayuth Pattanasak, secretary-general of the Gymnastics Association of Thailand (GAT), had a lame excuse. "They landed in Denmark just a day before the competition. They were tired. Ratchawat also sprained her ankle," he said.

Sarayuth said the gymnasts were sent to gain first-hand overseas knowledge, with an eye on the Asian Games in December.

"Our preparations are on course. If nothing goes wrong, we should at least get a gold in the pommel horse event, with  Thitipong," he said.

Waree Theptoranintra

The Nation