10. September 2006  
Portimao, Portugal  
Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup PORTIMAO

After having been rejected by the UEG as host for this year’s European Championships, Portuguese city of Portimao receives this weekend in the brand new EXPOARADE Pavillion the world elite in rhythmic gymnastics.
From 8th to 10th September, 115 gymnasts from 26 countries, will compete in this FIG World Cup Series Event (Category A).
FRIDAY: First Day of Competition
- by GYMmedia correspondent Esther TEIJEIRA

The first rotation is gone, and the first results are here, with the little surprise of Natasha Godunko (UKR) taking the lead after rope and ball, closely followed by Inna Zhukova (BLR) and team mate Anna Bessonova. The differences are very little, which leaves us a very interesting session for tomorrow, with the interrogant of who’ll be the winner still very open.
Simona Peycheva and Aliya Yusspova will also try to get a chance to enter the final podium, so nothing is decided yet.

Inna Zhukova, on second after half time...

SATURDAY's All-around Decision
Nataliya Godunko from the Ukraine won the Saturday's all-around competition title in a head-to-head fight with Belorussian star Inna Zhukova. Both made a perfect competition, Godunko finishing her ribbon routine with four rolls under the last throw.
On third place came Anna Bessonova, also from the Ukraine after having beaten Simona Peycheva and the two Russian gymnasts - Marina Spekht and Evgenia Kanaeva.
Aliya Yussupova, placed 4th after first day's competition, fell back on 7th place after having big problems in her ribbon routine.

>> All-around final Results
SUNDAY's FINALS all

Seniors, individual >> ROPE // >> Ball // >> CLUBS // >> RIBBON

Groups Finals: >> 3 HOOPS / 4 CLUBS // >> 5 RIBBONS

Juniors International Tournament (TIP)
Portimao, 2006, Sep 8 - 10 -
>> Rope // >> Hoop // >> Clubs // >> Ribbon
... GYMmedia will publish a special ECh Website in a few days)