Huntingdon star Louis Smith fell from the pommel horse as Great Britain missed out on the medals in the men’s gymnastics team final last night.

The 27 year-old attempted a routine of increased difficulty as the team, which also included Max Whitlock, Kristian Thomas, Nile Wilson and Brinn Bevan, attempted to claw themselves into contention for a podium finish.

But he made an early error and could manage a score of just 14.766 - almost a point lower than that he produced in qualifying 48 hours earlier.

Smith admitted: “A couple of days ago after qualification, they said if it’s really close, we’ll do your easier routine.

“It was pretty close to the wire and the coaches turned round and said: ‘you know what, let’s be bold and go for the bigger routine’.

“That was the decision made literally seconds before I walked up to the pommel.

“It was a challenge doing that routine after waiting five rotations.

“I’m coming out, I’m cheering for the guys and then to have to go back and get in the zone - it was a challenge, I’m not going to lie.”

Great Britain eventually finished fourth with Japan claiming gold, Russia taking silver and China winning bronze.

Smith’s focus will now shift to the individual pommel horse final on Sunday when he is expected to challenge for a medal.

He produced the second-best score in qualifying behind British team-mate Whitlock.