Idman.biz
After a ten-day break, rhythmic gymnastics stars have gathered in Baku again. Following the World Cup, the National Gymnastics Arena is hosting another tournament – the European Cup. This competition stands out with its interesting rules that create additional intrigue.
Idman.biz reports that the history of the European Cup began last year in Baku and continues in our capital again.
Several well-known gymnasts who have visited our country again are also performing at the tournament. Among them are Sofia Raffaeli, who won the all-around at the World Cup, as well as another member of the Italian national team, Tara Dragas, who won a bronze medal here in ribbon exercises.
It is also worth noting the Ukrainian Taisiya Onofriichuk, who won the most medals at the Baku stage of the World Cup. She was first in hoop exercises, second in all-around, ball and ribbon exercises, and third in club exercises, and leads in the overall standings.
Last year, the European Cup brought together several continents: gymnasts from Australia, the USA and South Korea also performed at the tournament. This time, athletes from Costa Rica, Egypt, India and Uzbekistan have arrived. In total, 175 gymnasts from 25 countries will participate in the competition.
The tournament is held according to interesting rules. After the all-around qualifying stage, the top 16 gymnasts will compete in the "Cross Battle" stage in the all-around final. According to the rules, the gymnast who took first place in the qualification will face the participant in 16th place in the 1/8 finals, the second – with the 15th, and so on. In the play-off stage, gymnasts will perform in only one type, where the winner will be determined.
Finals in individual types are not provided. Prize-winners in all exercises will be determined based on the results of the all-around. Group exercise teams will also compete in the "Cross Battle" stage. In this regard, it will be interesting to watch the Azerbaijani team, which will have its first test of the season at the European Cup.
The tournament’s prize fund of 45,000 euros is also noteworthy. The "Cross Battle" winner will receive 6,000 euros, and the best group will receive 10,000 euros.
Azerbaijan is represented in the competition by a large team. In the individual program, Govhar Ibrahimova and Zohra Jafarova will perform in the senior category, and Shams Agahuseynova, Azada Atakishiyeva and Fidan Gurbanli will perform among juniors.
The senior group team includes Laman Alimuradova, Darya Sorokina, Elizaveta Luzan, Gullu Agalarzade, Kamilla Aliyeva and Sofia Mammadova. The junior group team includes Nazrin Abdullayeva, Ayan Nasirova, Nazrin Salmanli, Ilaha Bahadirova, Shams Muveffeqi and Nilufer Oruclu.
It should be noted that compared to last year, the duration of the European Cup has been increased by one day. Baku will host a four-day festival of rhythmic gymnastics where stars will shine.
Zaki Feyzullayev
Idman.biz
