Soviets, Chinese Favored in Gymnastics Meet

A record 43 countries are competing in the 24th World Gymnastics championships, which got under way Sunday in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with the Opening Ceremony.

The Soviet and Chinese gymnasts, who begin competing Tuesday, are expected to win most of the medals as they did at the last world championships in 1985 at Montreal.

The United States is expected to be among the leaders after the first four of six flights is completed tonight.

The Soviet men’s team may be hampered by an ankle injury to Valeri Liukine, the European all-around champion who did the first triple back somersault in history. He sprained his ankle in practice and was limping badly.