Advanced Search
Business | Metro | Nation | World | Sports | Features | Specials | Delta Stories
 
 
Yussupova wins Kazakhstan's second gold at Asiad rhythmic gymnastics
11/12/2006 10:32

Aliya Yussupova registered the highest scores on all four apparatuses to win the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around gold medal on Sunday, one day after she led Kazakhstan to the team title.

Yussupova scored 15.400, 16.500, 15.825 and 16.200 points in rope, ball, clubs and ribbon respectively.

She cruised all the way to her second title with an outstandingperformance with fluid movement, artistry and expression.

She mesmerized the crowd with her renowned flexibility, stretching her leg over her shoulder and resting her foot under her chin as she twirled a club in either hand.

"I prepared for so long. Work so hard, because of this I got the gold," said Yussupova. "We have a team anthem which we say to keep remembering our goal. 'Not a step back, not a step in place, only ahead, and only together.' This is our anthem."

"I improved over yesterday's mistakes for I don't like to make the same mistake twice in the same arena."

Yukari Murata of Japan finished second with 59.125 points in total.

"I made some mistakes and I was more pleased with my performance yesterday than today. But I did my best. I think I might have over-trained, which has made me quite tired," said Murata.

"Today I wanted to go all the way. Although I made some mistakes, I just wanted to try my best."

China's Xiao Yiming took the bronze with 58.525 points.

"I am satisfied with the result because I have tried my best," said 18-year-old Xiao. "It's impossible not to be nervous as a newcomer at Asiad. It's a big venue and we only have one day to train in it. I'm not so used to this venue."

"Yussuyova is really, really good. She belongs to the top class.She was trained in Russia and has some blood ties to Russia. I think I should make the effort to achieve her level."

Kazakhstan took away with both golds, while Japan pocketed two silvers and China settled with two bronze in rhythmic gymnastics.



Xinhua News