Russia Wins Rhythmic European Team Title

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Led by veteran Vera Sesina and 2005 world champion Olga Kapranova, Russia won the team competition at the 23rd Rhythmic European Championships, held Saturday in Baku, Azerbaijan.

With 142.450 points, Russia easily placed first ahead of Ukraine (137.925) and Azerbaijan (133.425). The Russian team included 21-year-old Sesina, 19-year-old Kaparanova and 17-year-old Yevgenia Kanayeva. At the 2006 European Championships, held in Moscow, Sesina won the all-around gold medal.

Ukraine was led by Olympians Natalia Godunko and Anna Bessonova, who placed fifth and third all-around, respectively, at the 2006 European Championships.

Aliya Garayeva led Azerbaijan to its first Europeans team medal. The 19-year-old Garayeva was sixth all-around at the 2006 Europeans.

Olympian Svetlana Rudalova was the top-scoring gymnast from Belarus, which finished fourth. Israel was fifth, followed by Bulgaria, which was paced by Olympian Simona Peycheva.

The competition concludes Sunday.

2007 Rhythmic European Championships
June 30, Baku, Azerbaijan

Team Competition
1. Russia 142.450
2. Ukraine 137.925
3. Azerbaijan 133.425
4. Belarus 131.700
5. Israel 127.400
6. Bulgaria 126.275
7. Spain 118.175
8. Greece 116.450
9. Austria 116.250
10. Estonia 115.475
11. Slovenia 114.425
12. Italy 113.875

International Gymnast Magazine Related Features
Kapranova on cover, 2005 World Championships coverage (December 2005)
"Hoop Dreams" - Peycheva profile (March 2002)