Today's winning Central team - Back row - Gannochenko, Elizarova, Kharenkova. Front row - Afanasyeva, Kruglikova, Komova
The Central Federal District won today's team competition, only narrowly over the powerful Moscow who had to take a score of 3.2 for Grishina's fateful floor exercise (for those of you who have missed the loop, Anastasia has suffered a possibly serious knee injury, landing a triple twist). The Central team benefitted from standout performances from Komova on bars (15.333) and Kharenkova on beam (15.6), but of course all team members contributed including Afanasyeva who looks to be recovering well from her injury. Kharenkova's score was higher than that of the World Beam Champion, Mustafina, who also managed an impressive 15.333 there. Mustafina was the single best competitor overall, almost matching Komova on bars (15.033), taking the top score on vault (15.067) and only faltering on floor after Grishina's crushing fall, which had visibly upset the great champion (13.7). If Mustafina decides to compete in tomorrow's event finals, she has a legitimate shot at a medal in every piece, perhaps even gold given her feisty character. Russia relies on her even more so now that Grishina appears to be out of the running.
Central. 165.8
Moscow. 165.27
St Petersburg. 162.833
The full results are available here - http://www.sportgymrus.ru/Admin/GetFile.ashx?get=1&id=43946
It was more than a little upsetting to see Grishina's injury, and I know the entire gymternet community will want to send her our love, and positive thoughts for a good recovery.
There are some wonderful pictures of the awards ceremony on the RGF website. I will share a few of them here.
Nabiyeva and a judge
Arguing scores for her St Petersburg team with coach Vera Kiryashova (judging here) and another judge
St Petersburg is the only medal winning team not to count a top current international gymnast in its ranks, and they look very happy with their bronze medal. Pictured here with Central's Maria Kharenkova
Photo bombed by 2007 World Bars Champion and 2008 Olympian Ksenia Semyonova!
St Petersburg again, with their Candidate Master of Sport champion Elena Eremina, and coach Alexander Kiryashov.
A rather formal shot, unless you are from St Petersburg. Mustafina stands proud, almost symbolically alone in raising her arm. The whole Moscow team must feel exhausted, having led the competition convincingly only to be robbed of gold in such upsetting circumstances. Paseka looks resigned. Kharenkova looks pleased.
The best shot of the Moscow team.
I think it was best to win bronze this year :-)