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Vanessa Ferrari and Enrique Pozzo each captured their fifth national all-around titles at the 2011 Italian Gymnastics Championships, held Friday in Meda. Pictured: Pozzo flanked by silver medalist Matteo Morandi and bronze medalist Paolo Ottavi.

Vanessa Ferrari and Enrique Pozzo each captured their fifth national all-around titles at the 2011 Italian Gymnastics Championships, held Friday in Meda.

Ferrari, the 2006 world champion, clinched her fifth title by a comfortable margin, outscoring Carlotta Ferlito, 57.60-56.35. Ferrari, 20, previously won titles in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009.

Now competing for the Italian Army, Ferrari dedicated her fifth title to her long-time coach, Enrico Casella, and boyfriend, fellow gymnast Andrea Cingolani (fourth all-around).

Vanessa Ferrari, five-time Italian champion

"I dedicate the victory to my coach," Ferrari said. "Enrico Casella is not here with me, and I feel so strange. He's still hospitalized after surgery. He's fine, but I hope he feels better. I want to dedicate part of the medal to the Italian Army and Andrea Cingolani, with whom, I'm leaving Monday for vacation in Tenerife (Spain)."

With five titles, Ferrari is now tied with Giulia Volpi (1985, 1987, 1988, 1991 and 1992) as the third most successful female gymnast in national championships history. They rank behind six-time winner Laura Bortolaso (1979-1984) and seven-time champion Miranda Cicognani (1956-1962).

Ferlito, the 2010 Youth Olympic Games bronze medalist, earned the highest score of the women's competition (14.65 on balance beam) to top junior Francesca De Agostini (55.10).

In the men's competition, Pozzo picked up his fifth title over world medalist Matteo Morandi, 87.55-86.40. Paolo Ottavi won the bronze (84.00).

Morandi, who won the national title in 2001, 2002, 2006, 2008 and 2009, was looking for his sixth title, but has to settle for being tied with Pozzo with five apiece.

Eight-time champion Figone Guido (1947-1955) is the all-time Italian record holder. Franco Menichelli (1960, 1962-1966) and Jury Chechi (1989-1993, 1995) each won six times.

"I'm happy," Pozzo said. "I've also renewed the challenge between me and 'The Dog' (Morandi). I tied him, but now we both have Jury Chechi, the six-time champion, in our viewfinder. One of us could grab it next year, although I hope to have something more important to do (at the Olympic Games). A dedication? To the Sports Club of Vigna di Valle in Vercelli, to my family and to all those who allow me, despite my 30 years, to keep performing at this level."

Competition continues this weekend with the apparatus finals.

External Link: Italian Gymnastics Federation

2011 Italian Gymnastics Championships
May 27, Meda

Comments (1)

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Robin said:

	... This is slightly off topic, but I have to question the sensibilities of gymnasts who choose to wear leotards made of see-through material (other than in the sleeves), five-time national champion or otherwise.
	report abuse vote down vote up

May 29, 2011
Votes: +0

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