Aliya Mustafina confirmed her dominance of the Universiade today, winning gold in the all around competition with a competent, if not full powered performance, understandable considering she had left hospital only a few days ago. The victory was certainly not assured. After vault, Ksenia Afanasyeva was in the lead. Mustafina, predictably, pulled ahead by two points with an accomplished bars routine culminating in a very strong dismount, but then dropped off beam after a double turn. So it was left to Afanasyeva to win the title on beam and floor, her strongest pieces. But the veteran of two Olympics could not assert herself, making three major errors, failing to complete moves and combinations in the process, to score a competition low for her of 13.15. So after the third rotation Mustafina still led the competition, with Afanasyeva a disappointing third at that stage - and needing her best floor routine to claw back the silver. She did not disappoint. ...
Reporting and analysing Russian gymnastics since 2010. Includes original and exclusive interviews with leading coaches and gymnasts, and historical issues dating back to the Soviet Union. The first blog to report extensively on the sport using Russian language sources. I read, I argue, and I have opinions. Be warned.