Rhythmic gymnastics world Cup held in Kazan

The Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup took place at the Gymnastics Palace, Kazan on July 8-10.The pre-Olympic tournament brought together over 100 athletes representing 26 countries. The gymnasts competed in individual and group events. Russia’s roster for the World Cup included Margarita MAMUN, Yana KUDRYAVTSEVA and Aleksandra SOLDATOVA led by a powerful coaching staff headed by President of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation, Irina Viner-Usmanova.

“The World Cup is held in the beautiful city of Kazan, which previously hosted a large number of sporting events and always demonstrated its skill to deliver them to a high standard. The children who live here are lucky. Kazan is a sports cluster of Russia; there are plenty of sports facilities dotted around the city. That’s the reason why the World Cup competitions, which are the final ones in the lead-up to the Olympic Games, are held here, and at the highest possible level,” Irina Viner-Usmanova said in her welcome speech.

On the first competition day, the gymnasts competed in the all-round event. The tops spots on the podium were taken by the tournament’s favourites, Russians. Margarita MAMUN grabbed gold with 77.050 points, Yana KUDRYAVTSEVA placed second (75.950), Aleksandra SOLDATOVA rounded out the podium in third, finishing just 0.450 behind KUDRYAVTSEVA (75.500).

The second competition day saw gymnasts compete in the group all-round and individual finals in the ribbon, ball, clubs and hoop events. The Russian national team earned gold in the group all-round with an overwhelming 37.600, well ahead of the Belarusian team (36.250) and Team Israel (36.150).

Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup

Individual finals

Hoop

1. Yana KUDRYAVTSEVA (RUS) – 19.200

2. Yeon Jae SON (KOR) – 18.600

3. Margarita MAMUN (RUS) – 18.500

Ball

1. Yana KUDRYAVTSEVA (RUS) – 19.300

2. Margarita MAMUN (RUS) – 19.150

3. Staniouta MELITINA (BLR) – 18.750

Clubs

1. Margarita MAMUN (RUS) – 19.150

2. Aleksandra SOLDATOVA (RUS) – 18.950

3. Melitina STANIOUTA (BLR) – 18.800

Ribbon

1. Margarita MAMUN (RUS) – 19.200

2. Staniouta MELITINA (BLR) – 18.550

3. Yeon Jae SON (KOR) – 18.500

The final competition day turned out to be quite bumpy for the Russian national team. Dropping ribbons twice during one performance, the Russian were edged out by Team Bulgaria. As a result, Russia takes silver (17.900), Bulgaria claims gold (18.050). Israel finishes third (17.350).

In the next apparatuses, clubs and hoop, the Russian gymnasts were class above their rivals. Showing impressive form, they added one more gold to Team Russia’s collection at the tournament (18.600). Belarus placed second (18,400), Italy ended up third (18.300). “We do have some troubles. But there’s still room for improvement; we have enough time ahead of the Olympics,” said President of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation and head coach of the Russian national team, Irina Viner-Usmanova. “All in all, the girls did well; in the individual routine we had some flaws, however we have gold in all apparatuses.”

The next tournaments the Russian national team is vying for is the final leg of the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Baku.

After that, according to Irina Viner-Usmanova, as early as in autumn Kazan is going to host yet another rhythmic gymnastics event – Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Group Championships. The tournament will be held at the Gymnastic Centre.