Two-time Olympic bronze-medalist, Anna Pavlova, won Azerbaijan’s first World Cup medal in artistic gymnastics by taking gold on uneven bars at the World Challenge Cup in Ljubljana, Slovenia this past weekend. In a fairly weak women’s field, Pavlova easily won gold with low difficulty but superb execution scoring 12.825 (4.5/8.325). To the surprise of many, Pavlova even upgraded her dismount to a double pike after competing a simple layout flyaway the past few years. It was certainly interesting to see her win on what has been her weakest apparatus throughout her career.
Unfortunately the balance beam final did not go quite as well for Pavlova where she showed obvious signs of nerves, wobbling after a number of elements and sitting down her 5/2 twist dismount. Nevertheless, Pavlova’s lines and presence were as strong as ever despite the mistakes. Her Omelianchik (back handspring with 3/4 turn to handstand) was a highlight skill with lovely precision and control.
Pavlova’s teammate, Marina Nekrasova, had steady performances but not enough to challenge for the medals. Nekrasova placed fourth in both the vault and floor final with 13.412 and 12.675 respectively.
The Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation hails Pavlova’s win as a major achievement in the country’s developing artistic gymnastics programme. Azerbaijan’s last major star in artistic gymnastics was Valery Belenky, who contributed to the success of the Soviet and Unified team in the early ‘90s. Belenky later moved to Germany and competed for that team during the rest of his career. Since then he has become well known for his success as a personal coach to German Olympic medalist, Marcel Nguyen.
Next on Azerbaijan’s agenda is the Osijek Grand Prix in Croatia, April 24-27. Here Oleg Stepko is slated to make his international debut for Azerbaijan where he plans to compete in all six apparatuses. Also quickly approaching is the European Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria where Azerbaijan’s women’s team will include Anna Pavlova, Marina Nekrasova, Yulia Inshina and Maria Smirnova for the seniors and Anatasia Bolshova for the juniors.
Watch Anna's bars routine : http://youtu.be/jENNYiynrbY