Greetings from sunny Moscow - it really is a beautiful day here. I arrived last night in one piece, slept well, had a hearty breakfast, and made my way to the stadium this morning with only one slight hiatus that involved a conversation with a Russian road sweeper, who pointed out to me that I had got off the Metro at the wrong stop. This isn't covered in the phrase books and since I do not speak Russian, it took some understanding. He was a very nice road sweeper and I am grateful for his kindness. Hey ho I finally overcame the odds and arrived just in time to see both Belyavski and Ignatyev land their vaults on their tight little bottoms. I'm now wondering if David Belyavski will hang onto his first place all around in the face of an outstanding showing from Britain's Max Whitlock (but which would be less threatening to Belyavski had the Russian actually managed to go six for six).
It's sunny outside, the birdies are tweeting ... and, of course, I am sitting inside a harshly lit arena with my laptop on my knee, watching the gymnastics competition ... this probably confirms what most people who know me already think (yes, I have only one knee).
If you want comprehensive quick hits of all the excitement, you should follow the UEG Facebook page.
I will be updating Russian highlights on my Facebook page as much as possible during qualifications, assuming the battery life of my computer holds out long enough to get me to the end. Each day I am also aiming to upload the key results and links as well as present my own completely biassed account of events and happenings - for you to comment on.
One subdivision to come, starting at 6 pm Moscow time, so let's see how things pan out. I'm hoping we will see the Russian men qualify strongly across the board.