Russia rules in Europe; Mustafina claims second major all around title

Courtesy of the RGF

Aliya Mustafina well and truly bridged the gap of time and space between Berlin and Moscow today, grabbing the gold all around at European level that is her second major title, and which she would in all likelihood have won had she not suffered the injury that stopped her competition two years ago at the last individual European Championships.  Hers was a convincing, joyful and somewhat relieved win in the Moscow Olympiski stadium this afternoon, and sets the scene for more gold in Kazan this summer at the Universiade, and at the World Championships in Antwerp, where she will doubtless be much better prepared.

Standing alongside her on the podium was silver medallist, Romania's Larissa Iordache, who had a near perfect competition but could not quite match the verve of a determined Mustafina competing on home turf.  Third place was taken by Anastasia Grishina, who competed without error in an all around competition for the first time in living memory.  Grishina did not present any new upgrades to her routines, but what she did she did well.

Russia pulled themselves back from the brink today.  Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko's presence in the arena underlines the importance Russia puts on these victories.  While the arena was barely half full today, belying the relatively low popularity level of the sport here, news of this victory will be transmitted around the world.  Tomorrow's apparatus finals - for the men, floor, pommels, and rings; for the women, vault and bars - will be interesting.  See below the results of today. More analysis to follow in due course.