DOHA: Olympic champion Arthur Zanetti of Brazil yesterday produced a sublime performance in the men’s ring competition at the 8th FIG Artistic World Challenge Cup, winning the battle ahead of Armenia’s Arthur Tovmasyan and Andrei Muntean of Romania.
Zanetti, who won the gold medal on rings exercise at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, managed a score of 15.725 to emerge winner on day two the three-day event at Aspire Academy.
“I was feeling confident coming into the event. In the first leg in Germany I had won gold, but the competition here was tough. I am glad I could give my best today,” Zanetti after picking up his medal.
The Sao Paulo-based gymnast said he is aiming for his second Olympic gold at home Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next year.
“Yes, Of course I would love to win one more Olympic medal in my home country,” Zanetti said.
“It will be a great feeling. This year is very important for me towards achieving that goal. It’s still some time, but I am hopeful of doing well,” he added with a smile.
Tovmasyan with 15.425 was second while Muntean with a score of 15.325 finished in third spot.
In the men’s floor competition, American Jacon Dalton clinched the issue with a score of 15.475. Brazilian Diego Hypolito finished in second spot with a score of 15.425 while Japan’s Shotaro Shirai was third (15.025).
In the men’s pommel horse routines, Armenia’s Harutyum Merdinyan (14.775) won ahead of Croatia’s Matija Baron (14.600) and Armenia’s Artur Davtyan (14.525) finished in third spot.
In a spirited performance yesterday, Switzerland’s Giulia Steingruber improved to take the gold in the women’s vault.
Steingruber winning score was 14.575. Vietnam’s Thi Ha Thanh Phan delivered for the silver (14.100), while Slovakia’s Teja Belak settled for bronze (13.912).
Steingruber, who skipped the Germany event, was delighted with her performance at Aspire Academy.
“It’s never easy to start a new season. So I was little nervous but I am happy it has paid off. Winning a medal at Rio Olympics is a definite goal, but I am hoping to do well at the European Championship in Montpellier, France next month,” Steingruber said.
France’s Youna Dufournet took gold on uneven bars (13.650) following a hit performance.
Romania’s Diana Bulimar took the bronze medal with a 13.600 in finals, while Jessica Diaacci of Switzerland picked up the bronze (13.250). Aspire CEO Khalid Al Sulaiteen yesterday said he was amazed at the talent on display.
“I’m impressed with the quality of the organisation as well as the caliber of the participating gymnasts,” Al Sulaiteen said. “Aspire is happy to be the hosts of several sporting events in the country and we are partners in progress in ensuring that Qatar continues to be a major sporting hub,” he added.
Gymnasts from Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iraq, Jordan, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Mongolia, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Singapore, Slovenia, Switzerland, Taipei, Turkey, USA, Uzbekistan, Venezuela and Vietnam are currently seen in action in Doha.
Today is the final day of the event. Finals commence at 5:00pm today.
Prizes worth $50,000 are up for grabs over the three days of competition. The Aspire Academy will be the venue of the 2018 World Championships to be staged by Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGC).THE PENINSULA
