9th World Cup Final in Trampoline Gymnastics
Togliatti (RUS), September 19 - 20, 2008
Finals Day 2 of 2
The Grand Finale!
Togliatti (RUS) FIG Office, September 20, 2008: This final act of the 9th and ultimate World Cup Final in Trampoline Gymnastics marks the end of a busy season, one filled with heated events and plenty of sensation.
Certain gymnasts have literally withdrawn, such as the two Chinese Olympic Champions Lu Chunlong and He Wenna. The former passed the baton to Dong Dong, yesterday’s winner of the Individual event; a good call! The latter put his money on Huang Shanshan, who ranked high in the end!
Good sport and a beautiful show were to be had at this final.
Men’s Tumbling
Title-holding World Champion Andrey Krylov (RUS) in Quebec (CAN) took the trophy this time around (37.30 + 36.20 = 73.50 pts). He’s in top shape and proved it with two spectacular passes.
The only gymnast representing the United States in this final is Kalon Ludwigson. He showed real talent and took home a much-deserved Silver medal: (37.80 + 35.30 = 73.10 pts). He’s rising to power, carving out a remarkable style and gleaning maturity as he goes.
In third place, front runner Jozef Wadecki (POL), champion of the 2005 World Games in Duisburg (GER) is holding strong at a high level. Finally finding his match, he slipped from the top today (36.80 + 36.00 = 72.80 pts).
The powerful Pan Huanian (CHN) was fantastic in his first pass, but really messed up his second, nearly falling (37.70 + 25.20 = 62.90).
Women’s Individual Trampoline
Graceful, elegant and all smiles, Huang Shanshan (CHN) seduced the public and the Jury with a style all her own. She took the trophy with poise; you know what they say … one Chinese is worth two! 37.50 pts.
Mentor of Olena Movchan (UKR), Coach Vladimir Gorzhy fervently led his gymnast to a new and deserved podium: 36.50 pts.
Backed by her zealous coach Vitaly Dubko and with incredible determination, Natalia Chernova (RUS) placed third for one small tenth of a point: 36.40 pts.
Next, a step out of bounds cost Rosannagh McLennan (CAN) the podium. 32.50 pts. and with only 19.90 in Execution.
Beijing bis repetitas! Despite an Olympic crown at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and 7 world titles to boot, Irina Karavaeva (RUS) botched this final again. Her counter performance bears witness to extraordinary talent nonetheless: 26.00 pts.
Men’s Trampoline Synchro
Japan and its flying machines Tetsuya Sotomura and Yasuhiro Ueyama took their world titles in Quebec 2007. Today, they’ve added another trophy to their collection. They’re in top condition and flaunting it with a great sense of humour. This pair nosed out the Australians by 1 tenth of a point: 49.30 pts.
A delicious surprise from Australia’s Scott Brown and Ben Wilden. Excellent performance, precise with good height and style. The Jury didn’t miss that. A total of 49.20 pts and a well-earned second place.
Portugal placed third with Diogo Ganchinho and Nuno Merino: 49.00 pts.
A real disappointment for France, who takes its place at the foot of the podium. Fresh off the plane just yesterday (see preceding news), French trampoliners Sébastien Martiny and Grégoire Pennes could almost taste a medal, they were that close! Coach Franck Bardy is nonetheless satisfied: 48.60 pts.
At least they did better than Ukraine’s Olexander Chernonos and 2004 Olympic Champion in Athens, Yuri Nikitin. These two bedazzled us with style and power, and their experience speaks for itself: 48.40 pts, tied with Belarus.
Germany gave a sterling performance until Michael Serth botched his landing at the last rebound. Henrik Stehlik, Michael’s team-mate known for his sense of fair play and integrity, stood on the sidelines with a wry if not mischievous smile.
And it’s his smile we take with us as we turn a page in the history of Trampoline; remember that an annual world championship will replace the Cup Final from here on out. 2009 will see Trampoline united in Russia to contend the 26th World Championships in St Petersburg.
