Rewriting Russian Gymnastics

One of two standout winners at last week's Russia Cup - Nikita Ignatyev, with personal coach Chunusov It has been one of the most interesting Russia Cup competitions in some years, both MAG and WAG.  MAG saw the emergence of a new leader in the all around, while WAG saw the confirmation of a long-term leader.  Both teams are settling into a new cycle, with a new sense of internal rivallry developing, especially in MAG, but also in evidence in WAG.  There haven't been any miracles; Russia isn't suddenly going to win all the gold in Nanning - they may not win any.  But the main aim this year, as emphasised by senior MAG coach Alfosov and head coach Rodionenko, is to do enough in Nanning to qualify for next year's Worlds, and onwards to the Rio Olympics.  Nothing else really matters, MAG The identity of the six champions on the apparatus (Belyavski, Kuksenkov, Ablyazin, Britan, Kuksenkov, Ignatyev) doesn't especially give much away, and the main news is tha...