Chinese gymnast Shang Chunsong was relieved she was able to play apart in qualifying on Sunday after illness almost caused her to miss the competition.

Shang has been recovering from a nasty bout of fever and wasn't able to train for nearly five days ahead of China's debut, a wobbly performance for a team hoping to regain the podium in Rio after relinquishing the gold medal to the US at the 2012 London Games.

Though far from perfect, China is well placed to reach Tuesday's team final, where a US contingent led by world all around champion Simone Biles is the favorite.