Olympics men's gymnastic groups confirmed

(TIANJIN, May 15) -- As competitions of the 2008 Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) came to a close on Thursday in Tianjin, the drawing for Beijing Olympic Games gymnastics events took place. At about 5:30 p.m. local time, the drawing ceremony began, according to sports.cn.

Before the drawing began, representatives of the FIG expressed their sympathy for the victims of the recent earthquake that hit China's southwestern region.

The men's schedule was decided first.

China will compete in the same group with mixed group 4, Canada, Russia, Japan, and France.

According to the schedule already arranged by BOCOG, the first match will begin at 12 noon and last until 2:12 p.m. The second and third matches will begin at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., respectfully. This means that the Chinese men will appear in the afternoon session, going up against old rival Japan on August 9.

The other two groups' circumstances are as follows: match one will be between Italy, Spain, USA, mixed group 2, mixed group 6, and mixed group 3; match three will be between Belarus, mixed group 5, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Germany, mixed group 1, and Romania.

Aside from athletes from America and the DPRK, Germany will also put up a strong fight against the Chinese team.