RIBBON AND HOOP

The leading members of Azerbaijan's national rhythmic gymnastics team proved their class in the national championships which ended in victory for Aliya Qarayeva. Having won gold in the all-round events, her grace earned her victories in exercises with skipping rope and clubs on the final day of the contest, proving that she was on top form ahead of upcoming international competitions.

In order to intensify competition and the battle for prizes, the national federation decided to hold an open championship, and this step proved to be totally justified. Specifically, Russia's Yana Seledchik did very well and won several medals, demonstrating that the Russian team has depth in its developing talent. The main struggle for first place took place between Aliya Qarayeva and Dinara Gimatova, who was defending her status as undisputed world champion. However, the balance of forces has changed over the past year and, having become European champion in exercises with the skipping rope and winner of a number of Grand Prix contests, Aliya proved that she is number one at the moment. What's more, before the contest the gymnast fell ill and even missed the first day of the contest, performing routines with four items on the last day of the all-round events.

However, Aliya's illness did not prevent her celebrating her victory in this programme and in foiling Gimatova, who came second. Meanwhile, the indirect confrontation between Qarayeva and Gimatova in the finals of the various programmes ended in a draw: Aliya won the contest with the skipping rope, while Dinara won with the ribbon and the hoop. They were involved in a tough struggle, as they had another rival in Anna Qurbanova, who also won prizes. It should be noted that, unlike her teammates, Anna is not preparing for the Beijing Olympics as the vacancies for the Games 2008 were filled by Aliya and Dinara, following the outcome of the championships, and by the team in group exercises.

Summarizing her performance in the championship, Aliya observed that she really enjoyed taking part. "It is always a pleasure to demonstrate your skills to your own fans, who support you and follow your every move. Being undisputed national champion places greater responsibility upon you and spurs you on to new heights. So I am extremely motivated ahead of the important international contests," Qarayeva stressed. Meanwhile, the next contest for Azerbaijani gymnasts will be the World Cup in Kiev - composition yet to be identified.