Russia takes group title at rhythmic gymnastics Olympic trial

Russia takes group title at rhythmic gymnastics Olympic trial

Olga Kapranova of Russia waves on the awarding podium after winning the final of the individual All-Around at the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament held in Beijing, China, Dec. 7, 2007. Kapranova claimed the title with 73.825 points.

BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- As expected, Russia, the world and Olympic champions, was competing in its own level to reach the top of podium at the rhythmic gymnastics Olympic trial here on Friday.

Russia scored a total of 35.075 points out two apparatus -- five ropes, three hoops and two clubs, atop both of them in 17.500 and 17.575 points apiece.

Italy, the World Cup champions, got improved upon the qualifications by 0.6 to make a second place of 34.600 points, but still not enough to challenge the rhythmic powerhouse Russia.

The crowded spectators got something to celebrate the night as China took up the last place in podium with 34.050. China was ranked only fifth in preliminaries.

Gold medalist, Olga Kapranova (C) of Russia, silver medalist, Anna Bessonova (L) of Ukraine and bronze medalist, Aliya Garayeva of Azerbaijan wave to audience on the awarding podium of the individual All-Around at the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament held in Beijing, China, Dec. 7, 2007. Kapranova claimed the title with 73.825 points.
Aliya Garayeva of Azerbaijan competes in the final of the individual All-Around at the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament held in Beijing, China, Dec. 7, 2007. Garayeva took the third place with 69.775 points.
Ding Yidan of China competes in the final of the individual All-Around at the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament held in Beijing, China, Dec. 7, 2007. Ding took the tenth place with 62.925 points.
Anna Bessonova of Ukraine competes in the final of the individual All-Around at the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament held in Beijing, China, Dec. 7, 2007. Bessonova took the runner-up with 70.250 points.
Stela Sultanova of Bulgaria competes in the final of the individual All-Around at the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament held in Beijing, China, Dec. 7, 2007. Sultanova took the ninth place with 63.375 points.
Ding Yidan of China perfroms in the final of the individual All-Around at the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament held in Beijing, China, Dec. 7, 2007. Ding took the tenth place with 62.925 points.
Olga Kapranova of Russia competes in the final of the individual All-Around at the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament held in Beijing, China, Dec. 7, 2007. Kapranova claimed the title with 73.825 points.
Almudena Cid of Spain competes in the final of the individual All-Around at the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament held in Beijing, China, Dec. 7, 2007. Almudena Cid took the sixth place with 65.400 points.
Lyubog Cherkashina of Belarus competes in the final of the individual All-Around at the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament held in Beijing, China, Dec. 7, 2007. Cherkashina took the fifth place with 66.875 points.
Aliya Garayeva of Azerbaijan competes in the final of the individual All-Around at the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament held in Beijing, China, Dec. 7, 2007. Garayeva took the third place with 69.775 points.
Anna Bessonova of Ukraine waves on the awarding podium of the individual All-Around at the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament held in Beijing, China, Dec. 7, 2007. Bessonova took the runner-up with 70.250 points.
Aliya Garayeva of Azerbaijan waves on the awarding podium of the individual All-Around at the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational Tournament held in Beijing, China, Dec. 7, 2007. Garayeva took the third place with 69.775 points.