The Rusisan group won the finals on Sunday at the 'German Rhythmic Gymnastics Open' in Duisburg after having already clearly dominated yesterday’s all-around. The current World Champions won as well the final with 5 ribbons (25.750) as also the one with 2 balls/ 3 hoops (25.800) in front of Italy (ribbons: 24.100) and Belarus (ribbons: 22.850) resp. Belarus (balls/hoops: 24.900) and Italy (balls/hoops: 24.100).
The Russian group won the all-around of the 'German Rhythmic Gymnastics Open' in the venue 'Theater am Marientor' in Duisburg. The current World Champions received the score of 51.00 points in front of Italy (48.400) and Belarus(46.900). With this victory Russia underlined their ambitions for the Olympic gold medal in Athens.
This competition in Duisburg is an imporant test shortly before the Olympic Games in Athens at which 10 groups will be allowed to participate.
Irina Tchachina (RUS /108,525 ) was the best gymnast of all around final and qualification of the traditional RG tournament in Corbeil (FRA). Vera Sesina (RUS / 104,125) got 2nd place in front of Alya Yussupova (KAZ / 101,050).
World Champion Alina Kabaeva (RUS) and Vice World Champion Anna Bessonova (UKR) were absent; Inna Shukova (BLR), the 4th of 2003 World Championships, too.
Alina Kabaeva (RUS) won all the finals (with hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon) of the Baku World Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup.
The other Russian gymnast Irina Tchachina had to stop competing because of an injury.
Alltogether 50 gymnasts from 23 countries take part in the competitions. Only the Ukrainians prepare at home for the European Championships in Kiev (4 to 6 June 2004).
Today, Kabaeva won the final of all around, too, in front of Alya Yussupova...
The '4th No Limits Open 2004' of Rhythmic Gymnastics will held in Ekeren, Belgium, from May 21 to 23.
This event became an 'FIG tournament' in 2002.
About 60 gymnasts from 20 different countries and 3 different continents will participate this year. Special guests will be former Olympic champion Lori Fung from Canada (Los Angeles 1984), Irina Deleanu (ROM), Domenika Cervenkova (selected for Czech Republic to go to the Olympic Games in Athens) and many more...