2024-05-04 06:41:13
Boryana Kalein finished second and Stiliyana Nikolova was third in the qualification of the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup in Baku. This type of competition with an unusual regulation is held for the first time in the history of this sport.
In the capital of Azerbaijan, Kalein played steadily and accumulated an asset of 135,700 points after being rated with 36,200 on the hoop, 33,000 on the ball, 33,650 on the clubs and 32,850 on the tape.
Nikolova collected 135.550 points (35.850 on hoop, 31.900 on ball, 35.000 on clubs and 32.800 on tape) and took third place in the ranking.
Sofia 2022 World Champion Sofia Raffaelli finished with a total of 138.950 points (35.800 on hoop, 34.500 on ball, 34.750 on clubs, 33.900 on tape) and won the qualification.
The top 16 and a maximum of two gymnasts each from the screenings qualify for the first “Cross Battles”. The national women found a place among the best and tomorrow they will argue for the honors. Boriana Kalein will face Andrea Verdes (Romania) with a ball combination in the round of 16, and Stiliyana Nikolova faces Kamila Seizadeh (Azerbaijan) also with a ball combination.
In case of possible victories, Kalein will meet the winner of the pair Daniela Munits (Israel) – Milena Baldassari (Italy), and Nikolova – the winner between Ekaterina Vedeneeva (Slovenia) – Panayota Litra (Greece). Both bouts will be paired with hoops in the quarterfinals.
Bulgaria will participate in all four finals. Marijana Pamukova graduate Kalein secured a place among the top eight in hoop, ball and ribbon. Nikolova found a place among the finalists in rackets.
The judge for Bulgaria in the individual competition is Filipa Filipova, who was on the hoop and ribbon body difficulty panel today.
The race starts at 11 a.m. tomorrow.