Belyavski Russia Cup Champion

David Belyavski has today won the all around competition at the Russia Cup, Penza, ahead of Sergei Khorokhodin and Igor Pakhomenko. Belyavski, who turns 20 in October, hails from Ekaterinburg where he is trained by V Lomaev and P Kitaiski.  He came to Penza after a disappointing European Championships, where his performance was compromised by a pinched nerve in his neck.


In a close competition for second place, veteran  Khorokhodin narrowly pipped Pakhomenko, by only .065.  Russia's other strong all arounder, Emin Garibov, did not compete here at the decision of the coaches.


With Anton Golotsutskov sadly reported to be doubtful for the Games (in hospital for three weeks at least),and no evidence of veteran Maxim Devyatovski in the competition, it seems likely that the Russian team in London will be dominated by the new wave of driving, ambitious gymnasts such as Belyavski, Garibov, Denis Ablyazin and Alexander Balandin.  Rings specialist Konstantin Pluzhnikov was outscored by youngster Balandin on his specialist piece and could not impress on pommel horse.

Full results of the competition can be found at the site of the Russian Gymnastics Federation and I'll provide images below of the most significant results.

Competition continues tomorrow with the much anticipated women's all around.  No news yet as to whether live streaming will be fixed in time, but I guess that as time progresses it looks more and more likely that we will have to wait another 42 days before we can see our team.

Belyavski, Khorokhodin, Pakhomenko, Russinyak, Gogotov, Ignatyev, Ignatenkov

Ablyazin, Balandin.  Balandin again scores usefully on pommels - Ablyazin confirms his position as floor, rings and vault specialist but does less to convince on high bar.