Italian Group Dominates World Cup By Nora Schuler

The German town of Duesseldorf hosted some of the world's top rhythmic groups at the World Cup, held September 23-24. Unfortunately Olympic champions Russia had to withdraw at the last minute due to injuries and neighbours Ukraine also failed to make the trip.

Only eight groups took part, but they included the second, third and fourth ranked groups from last year's Olympics. Medals and prize money were awarded for finals only. The organisers, seemingly unfazed by the depleted field, managed to produce a fast moving and highly entertaining event that underlined the showy part of rhythmic gymnastics. Instead of making the audience sit and look at an empty carpet while the judges calculated the scores, each routine was followed by a show routine from a junior hopeful. During the second final, the non-competing member of each group strutted her stuff, introducing her country to the audience. Switzerland's Silivia Takelli was clearly the crowd favourite here performing to DJ Bobo in a cow costume.

Athens silver medallists Italy had missed both the recent Deventer and Berlin Grand Prix competitions. But those who thought they might not be competition ready were offered a rude awakening. The Italians took Duesseldorf by storm with two breathtaking performances which were much more than just routines, uniting sport and art. They took the gold with both five ribbons and three hoops /two pairs of clubs.

Belarus were sassy, synchronised and extremely original for a silver with hoops and clubs and the bronze with five ribbons. The Belarussian gymnasts seem to have keen interest in the future of the sport closely watching German junior Kristina Goukowa, who performed just after their routine, and warmly applauding some of her more difficult moves.

While the sport of rhythmic gymnastics has taken a turn towards extreme flexibility in the past years, the Bulgarians have remained true to themselves and their traditional school. Coached here by former great Lilia Ignatova, the group took a silver for their stirring rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' with five ribbons and the bronze for their fast-paced hoops and clubs routine.

The enthusiastic crowd went along with all routines but came into its own during the final routine of the evening. The gymnasts from New Zealand started well enough with hoops and clubs only to have the music cut out a minute into the routine. They continued performing without batting an eyelid while the crowd clapped along until the end of their performance before breaking into huge cheers. The group was allowed to perform their routine again after a two-minute break. And this time the music worked.