Event review
Benidorm (ESP) - Palau L'Illa, October 4, 2008: Under the lights and cameras of the Spanish National Television (TVE), the graceful athletes of Rhythmic Gymnastics have once again seduced and dazzled every spectator at the Pallau L’Illa in Benidorm.
Midway between art and sport, this kind of gymnastics at this level of quality would win the support of even the most skeptical.
Rope Final
The Ukranian Natalia Godunko was the first to compete: an execution without mistakes, earning her 17.500 pts… only, are we tempted to say. It was the first Final for Irina Risenson (ISR) who unfortunately did not confirm the good impression that she had left after ranking 9th at the OG in Beijing: 15.700 pts. Her lack of difficulty made it impossible for her to compete with the best. Vera Sessina knows the routine and proved it in an exercise close to perfection. The judges agreed: 18.250 pts, with the World Cup trophy for Russia.
The great surprise of the afternoon was Aliya Garayeva (AZE), with 18.075 pts well deserved and the bronze medal! Anna Bessonova (UKR) arrived under a thunder of applause and a clamor of joy! Anna controlled and mastered her rope, but with only 17.600 pts, missed the podium. The audience did not agree! The performance of Olga Kapranova (RUS) was much better and proved her experience: 18.200 pts and the silver medal, with only 5 hundredth of a point behind Sessina!
The Olympic champion Eugenia Kanaeva (RUS) let slip her rope in the first seconds of her exercise, but recovered brilliantly. This mishap cost her a medal: in the end, 17.625 pts. Aliya Yussupova (KAZ) with her 16.900 pts could not compete with the best.
Podium: 1. Vera Sessina (RUS) 18.250 pts - 2. Olga Kapranova (RUS) 18.200 pts - 3. Aliya Garayeva (AZE) 18.075 pts.
Groups Final 3 Ropes - 2 Clubs
Face to face, Spain with its enthusiastic public and Ukraine and Belarus and its stars. Russia questioning! In the end, a stunning performance delivered by these magicians and their choreographers.
The Russian group was not the gold medalist of Beijing, but the Universiades champion of Bangkok 2007. Russia has resources and impressive reservoir of talented gymnasts. The proof was in this group discovered for the first time at this level. They however lack experience and maturity: with 15.125 pts, it is the tail light of this Final. Ukraine has confirmed and developed its talent by showing remarkable precision. The slight loss of the clubs could affect Execution. The Spanish audience was nonetheless under the Ukrainian charm: 15.675 pts!
Byelorussia seduced the public with a very inspired performance of the Bolero. It was perfect. A rare homogeneity was reached in every aspect. The World Cup for these young talented women was well deserved: 17.650 pts.
Spain made their entry into the arena with flags everywhere and a standing public. The opening was very clean and the group exuberant. They wanted this Cup and tried hard. Unfortunately they fell just short behind the Byelorussian magicians: 16.500 pts.
Podium: 1. Byelorussia 17.650 pts - 2. Spain 16.500 pts - 3. Ukraine 15.675 pts.
Hoop Final
Anna Bessonova (UKR) is a treat to the eyes, and the public was literally captivated by her grace and choreography: 18.175 pts. She received an ovation never matched before by a gymnast. Anna understood the message and from the Kiss and Cry corner, she thanked the public with both hands.
The challenge was difficult for Aliya Garayeva (AZE) who had to compete after the Ukrainian. It takes a great will to face the best and to compete with them. She earned 17.650 pts and a splendid 6th place.
The Final was however a disappointment for Olga Kapranova (RUS), who lost her hoop twice. Outside of her routine, and it was a first, Olga attempted four times to master this element, which cost her a medal and above all put her in the last place! Her score was a mere 16.350 pts.
Natalia Godunko (UKR) was simply astounding, performing pivots with a rare precision and above all a final to take your breath away: a throw followed with four rolls, ending with the catch of the hoop – all of it performed without a flaw. She was awarded 17.900 points and another medal for Ukraine! Olé!
The World Cup in this specialty went to Eugenia Kanaeva (RUS) and her 18.975 pts. Her talent is evident, but it is mainly her high level of difficulty that has made the difference.
Medals: 1. Eugenia Kanaeva (RUS) - 18.975 pts. 2. Anna Bessonova (UKR) 18.175 pts. 3. Natalia Godunko (UKR) 17.900 pts.
Tomorrow, we will see the second and concluding day of this Final. Already the eyes are turned toward Japan and the Mie Prefecture, where the 29th World Championships 2009 of the discipline will be held. This will be the first of the four competitions on the road to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
We will have plenty of time to talk about it!
