29th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships
Mie (JPN), September 7 – 13, 2009
Review Group Apparatus Finals
MIE (JPN), FIG Office, September 13, 2009: Rhythmic Groups having qualified yesterday for the two Apparatus Finals that conclude the 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships pleased the crowd with a brilliant show here in Mie. The Sun Arena was sold out yet again for the championship finale!
5 Hoops
The young Russian Group gave a show of mental stamina in this Final, coming back strong after a number of mistakes in their 5 Hoops routine during last night’s All-around competition. After starting second, their flawless exercise rendered 27.700 points and the lead. No other Group could measure up; and in the end the Group seized the Gold medal with indomitable force.
Newly crowned All-around World Champion Italy repeated last night’s stunning performance; with 27.275 they earned an identical score and took home the Silver medal.
Having outclassed everyone on Hoops in yesterday’s All-around competition, Belarus petered out today; but a 27.225 score was sufficient to win them the Bronze.
Bulgaria’s performance was a true crowd pleaser, but with 25.775 points they were unable to claim a place on the podium.
Gold: Russia – Total: 27.700
Silver: Italy – Total: 27.275
Bronze: Belarus – Total: 27.225
Detailed results
3 Ribbons / 2 Ropes
In a tight battle and after having claimed Gold in the All-around and Silver on 5 Hoops, Italy triumphed again on 3 Ribbons / 2 Ropes, adding another Gold to their impressive score card here in Mie. 26.650 points was decidedly inferior to their All-around result, but they maintained the lead on Belarus nonetheless.
Belarus claimed their third medal in Mie’s Group events tonight. With a Silver in the All-around and a Bronze on 5 Hoops under their belts, they finished second on 3 Ribbons / 2 Ropes, a slim 0.05 of a point behind Italy.
Confirming their All-around ranking with a score of 26.300 Russia came in third, carrying off the Bronze and their third medal in Mie.
Once again, Japan’s Group thrilled fans with an inspiring performance! They brought up yesterday’s score to 25.975 and finished in a comfortable 4th place.
Gold: Italy – Total: 26.650
Silver: Belarus – Total: 26.600
Bronze: Russia – Total: 26.300
Detailed results
Gala and Closing Ceremony
An exquisite gala wrapped up the 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, featuring Teams from host country Japan, Ukraine, Belarus and Italy. The stars of the Individual competitions, Russia’s Evgenia Kanaeva and Daria Kondakova, alongside winner of the 2009 Longines Prize for Elegance Anna Bessonova from Ukraine and Japan’s favourite Mai Hidaka made this a truly exceptional show, one appreciated by fans and TV spectators everywhere.
Following the gala and the official Closing Ceremony, the Japan Gymnastic Association returned the FIG flag to FIG President Prof. Bruno Grandi (ITA), who handed it over to the Russian Gymnastics Association, organisers of the 30th World Championships in September 2010 in Moscow (RUS).
Looking back over seven days of fantastic Rhythmic performances, Prof. Grandi expressed his respect and admiration to the gymnasts for their exceptional accomplishments. He thanked the Mie Prefecture, the Japanese Gymnastic Association and the Mie Organising Committee, acknowledging the terrific job they did in hosting this event. Finally, Prof. Grandi declared the 29th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Mie (JPN) closed.
We look forward to seeing you next year in Moscow!
