24th European Championships in Acrobatic Gymnastics
Vila Do Conde (POR), October 1 – 4, 2009

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, October 2, 2009: Seven Men’s Groups, eight Women’s Pairs, six Mixed Pairs, eleven Women’s Groups and Men’s Pairs competed for the senior’s Qualifications at the 24th Acrobatic Gymnastics European Championships. Several nations are leading in the five categories.

In the first category, we have seen the very impressive exercises of the Men's Groups. The Bulgarians showed themselves the best, in front of the Ukrainians and the gymnasts from Belarus. The English Group, deprived of its bonus for the quadruple salto, which is now forbidden during the competitions, is on the fourth rank.

The competition of the Women’s Pairs resulted in the domination of the Pairs from Belarus, Ukraine and Germany. The Russian Pair is fourth.

The probably most appreciated competition, the one of the Mixed Pairs, has been marked by the spectacular programme of the Belgians. Julie van Gelder and Sam Pauwels, European Junior Champions in 2007, have further progressed in the art of dance and pantomime. They lead the ranking of the Qualifications before the Pairs from Russia and Great Britain.

There was some confusion in the category of the Men’s Pairs. The two Pairs Ukraine 1 and 2 had reversed their starting order. The superior jury treated the unusual case after the end of the competition. Less than one point separate the seven first, the competition was lead by Russia, before Great Britain and Ukraine.

In the second part, one could see very beautiful exercises in the category of the Women’s Groups, which presented very dynamic exercises. Russia is leading before Ukraine and the two English Groups.

Friday, the seniors will present their second programme, either dynamic, or static. The eight best in each category and exercise will compete in the Individual Finals.

(UEG / adapt. FIG)

Check http://www.ueg-gymnastics.com for updates on the 24th Acrobatic Gymnastics European Championships for Seniors as well as the 8th Juniors' European Championships in Vila Do Condo!