Rhys McClenaghan walked off the pommel horse, looked at his score, and broke into a jig.
The Olympic champion had reason to celebrate. His score of 14.500 was the highest posted through two subdivisions of Commonwealth Games pommel horse qualifying, and it all but secured his place in Monday's final.
According to BBC Sport, McClenaghan earned a difficulty score of 5.500 and an execution score of 9.000, both the highest in qualifying so far. He performed the routine for the first time in competition after returning from a shoulder surgery that kept him out for all of 2025.
The 27-year-old tops the qualifying standings heading into the third and final subdivision, which was scheduled for 17:30 BST. That session would officially confirm the finalists, but McClenaghan's margin over the field made his spot essentially certain.
McClenaghan is chasing his third Commonwealth Games medal on the pommel horse. He won gold in 2018 and silver in 2022. A win Monday would make him a three-time medalist at the Games on his signature event.
Ewan McAteer moved into second place in vault qualifying with a score of 13.650.
