Sofia Raffaeli wins the first stage of the international World Cup circuit staged at the Palaio Faliro in Athens. The reigning rhythmic gymnastics world champion has no intention of giving up her crown to any opponent and she proved it once again on the platform. The agent of the Fiamme Oro of the State Police, after the excellent start yesterday with the first two tools, maintains the head of the All around ranking with the total, on the four tools, of 131,750 (CE 34,850 – PA 32,650) – CV 33.250 – NA 31.000) winning the gold medal more than two points from the Bulgarian Stiliana Nikolova who has to settle for the place of honor with 129.550. Nothing to do for the other Bulgarian in the race, Boryana Klaeyn, who ends up in third place with a total of 127,600. At the foot of the Greek podium is the Uzbek Takhmina Ikromova, at an altitude of 125,300.
“I’m very happy with how the race went – said the “Vulcano” of Chiaravalle-. It was the first World Cup of the season with all new exercises so I am very satisfied. I’m happy to have brought four good routines on the platform but not to the best of my ability. Julie (Cantaluppi, ed.) and I have decided to remove some difficulties that I will try to do tomorrow in the specialty finals. As always, I will give my best!”.
Indeed, the finals by apparatus will be broadcast live from 2 pm on La7d (channel 29 DDT) with commentary by Ilaria Brugnotti and technical commentary by Marta Pagnini. Milena Baldassarri, on the other hand, ends her general competition in 13th position. The airman of the Italian Air Force collects 117,650 points (CE 29,800 – PA 30,450 – CV 28,450 – NA 28,950) however not enough to access tomorrow’s finals as well as for Sofia Maffeis (Polisportiva Varese) who, with 108,650 points, ends the his race in 18th position. The Athens World Cup program continues with the second part of the team qualifications. Maurelli and her companions will return to the platform with the mixed exercise with balls and ribbons.