FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup A
Portimao (POR), March 11 – 14, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, March 10, 2010: The beautiful city of Portimao, located on the southern coast of Portugal in the region of Algarve, will be setting the stage for the third event of the 2010 FIG World Cup Series in Rhythmic Gymnastics from March 11 – 14.

FIG RG World Cups in Portimao

The Gymnastics Federation of Portugal and the City of Portimao have organised this World Cup competition annually since 2006 in the Portimao Arena, which boasts a 4,000 spectator capacity. A modern and unique venue, the Arena is equipped with optimal facilities for gymnastics, and has been called the “Gymnasts’ Nest” for more reasons than just great audience participation. The 24 year old partnership that binds the Gymnastics Federation of Portugal and Portimao City Hall is driven by the intent to promote Rhythmic Gymnastics within the city, taking advantage of the fantastic conditions it has to offer. And fans are the first to benefit from it! An open door policy means free admission to the event!

World Cups in Portugal

In 2006, Portimao was the first Portuguese city to host a FIG World Cup / Series event. Encouraged by the outcome of the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup, other Portuguese cities have applied for and obtained FIG World Cup events, e.g. Loulé for Trampoline Gymnastics, first held in 2009. The year 2010 is a milestone in the history of gymnastics in Portugal with four FIG World Cup / Series events! After Portimao, Ponta Delgada/Azores will host Aerobics in April, Porto/Madeira will welcome Artistic in June and Loulé will again become Trampoline’s capital city in September! A full year of gymnastics for athletes and fans in Portugal!

The line-up

A line-up of 45 individual gymnasts and 15 groups from a total of 26 countries are expected to compete in Portimao, and all the top players are in! Russia will line up with Evgenia Kanaeva, Daria Kondakova, Daria Dmitrieva and Yana Lukonina, Belarus will feature Meliltina Staniouta and Liubov Charkashyna, and we’ll also see Bulgarian Sliviya Miteva, Anna Alyabyeva from Kazakhstan, Austrian Caroline Weber and Azerbaijanis Aliya Garaeyeva and Anna Gurbanova.

For Portugal, two newcomers to the senior circuit: Jéssica Jardim (from Madeira) and Joana Cardoso (Lisbon) face trying to live up to last cycle’s Portuguese legacy as they prepare for the 2011 World Championships – the first qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

In Groups, after last weekend’s World Cup in Debrecen (HUN), Russia, Belarus, Israel and Azerbaijan will again show off their talent while the 2009 World Champions from Italy make their World Cup debut of the season in Portimao.

Check complete entry lists here!
Individuals
Groups

2009 title holders

Rope - KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) – 27.950
Hoop - BESSONOVA Anna (UKR) – 28.150
Ball - KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) – 28.300
Ribbon - SESINA Vera (RUS) – 28.050
Group 5x - Belarus
Group - 3x + 2x: Japan

As a FIG category A World Cup and with more prize money and World Ranking points available than at category B tournaments, the competition is especially attractive for participating gymnasts. In addition, the competition will be televised by host broadcaster RTP (Radio Televisao de Portugaland).

Further information on the tournament can be found online at http://portimaofigworldcup.webnode.com.pt/

The next stopover of the 2010 FIG World Cup circuit in Rhythmic Gymnastics will be in Kalamata (GRE) on March 26 – 28, followed by St Petersburg (RUS) on April 3 - 4.