Russia two gold medals

Russia took the first two gold and silver medals awarded at the 30th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships on Tuesday in Moscow. Daria Kondakova upset reigning world and Olympic champion Yevgenia Kanayeva in the rope final, 28.750-28.600. Nearly a point behind the Russians, Belarusian Melitina Stanyuta won the bronze with 27.650.

Kanayeva and Kondakova swapped places in the hoop final, with Kanayeva taking the title, 29.200-28.900. Kanayeva, who swept the gold medals at the 2009 World Championships, earned a 9.900 for artistry with the hoop.

Russian head coach Irina Viner offered praise for her two stars, and predicted Kanayeva to be unbeatable in the remainder of the finals.

“I’m sure that Zhenya will no longer make errors at this world championships,” Viner said. “She’sa very strong-willed athlete, so everything will be fine with her. In fact, she already proved it after losing with the rope, and then confidently winning with the hoop. But Kondakova today did great! Overall she’s not much weaker than Kanayeva, but Kanayeva allowed some mistakes.”

Azerbaijan’s Aliya Garayeva won the bronze with the hoop (27.675) over Stanyuta. “I would like to thank the fans and everyone who supported me,” Garayeva said.

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