LAUSANNE (SUI), April 11, 2012: Second in a series of seven events, the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup set for Pesaro (ITA) on April 13 – 15 will welcome the discipline’s top gymnasts to the Adriatic Arena!
The tournament, which will enjoy its 4th edition this year, lines up 50 Individual gymnasts from 32 different countries as well as 14 Groups and star players from the sport’s most prestigious nations!
In Individuals, fans can look forward to seeing Russians Evgenia Kanaeva, Daria Dmitrieva and Aleksandra Merkulova, Belarusians Liubou Charkashyna and Melitina Staniouta, Azerbaijani Aliya Garayeva, Bulgaria’s Silviya Miteva, Kazakhstani Anna Alyabyeva, Alexandra Piscupescu of Romania, Ukraine’s Alina Maksymenko and Anna Rizatdinova, as well as Ulyana Trofimova of Uzbekistan. Italy entered Julieta Cantaluppi and Federica Febbo
At the past edition of the Pesaro World Cup in March 2011, Evgenia Kanaeva (RUS) prevailed in the Individual All-around as well as on Hoop and Ball, while her compatriot Daria Dmitrieva took the title on Ribbon and Liubou Charkashyna (BLR) on Clubs.
This year in Groups, the Italian public will get to witness a dual for excellence between the reigning World Champions of their own country and their traditional rivals from Russia. The entries from Belarus, Israel and Ukraine are sure to spice up the competition and give a thrilling run for the podium.
In 2011, Russia beat the 2010 and 2011 World Champions of Italy in the Pesaro Group All-around, however the Farfalle took the title on 5 Balls, while Belarus prevailed on 3 Ribbons and 2 Hoops. With all title holders again competing in Pesaro, we can expect exciting competitions!
Parallel to the World Cup event, the 4th Pesaro International Junior Tournament “Citta di Pesaro” will be held in the Adriatic Arena. The competitions will be broadcasted live by Rai Sport on Saturday and Sunday.
About 2012 FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup Series
The 2012 FIG World Cup circuit in Rhythmic Gymnastics includes one category A event (Sofia) and six category B events. Apart from Corbeil-Essonnes (Individuals only), all events include both Individual and Group competitions, with All-around competitions serving as qualifiers for the Apparatus Finals.
With stopovers on two continents, the competitions are slated for March 16 – 18 in Kiev (UKR), April 13 – 15 in Pesaro (ITA), April 28 – 29 in Penza, May 5 – 7 in Sofia, May 11 – 13 in Corbeil-Essonnes, May 18 – 20 in Tashkent and July 13 – 15 in Minsk (BLR).
The world ranking points collected by competitors at their best four events of the circuit will add up to a total, and the top scorers in each discipline will be crowned the winners of the overall series at the ultimate event in Minsk.
Participation in A World Cups is limited to a maximum of two Individual gymnasts and one Group per federation, while invitations are restricted to federations with Individual gymnasts among the top 18 (C I, All-around) and the best 12 Groups from the 2011 World Championships, with an additional wild card for the host country if not represented. B World Cups are open to all FIG member federations.
Countries with gymnasts in the top 40 at the 2011 World Championships are entitled to participate with two Individual gymnasts; all other federations are allowed one gymnast only. All federations can participate with one Group. The current All-around champions of the Olympic Games, World and Continental Championships are invited to A and B World Cups and are in addition to the places listed above.
At category A and B World Cups, both Individuals and Groups qualify the best eight during the All-around competition for the Apparatus Finals. In the event of failure to qualify, the host federation may participate in one Individual Final of its choice.
The world ranking points collected by competitors at their best four events of the circuit will add up to a total, and the top scorers in the All-around and per Apparatus will be crowned the winners of the overall series at the ultimate event in Minsk.
Image © FIG
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