Bulgaria on top in a thrilling groups Cross Battle in Baku!

Bulgaria held their nerve at the end of a stunning Saturday to claim Cross Battle success at the European Cup in Rhythmic Gymnastics in Baku.

In a competition that had already seen star performances from the likes of Taisiia Onofriichuk (three gold medals) and Olympic medallist Sofia Raffaeli (one gold medal), the attention turned to the world of juniors and groups at the start of a huge weekend of European Cup action. And they didn't disappoint in the slightest.

The Cross Battle delivers again!

In the battle for Senior group supremacy, it was always destined to be unmissable. And with the likes of Italy, Bulgaria and hosts Azerbaijan, it proved to come true in an enthralling cross battle event. 

In an opening round of tense performances and electric atmosphere, it was the three mentioned previously who progressed, moving past Georgia, Ukraine and Estonia respectively.

But in the final head-to-head-to-head, Bulgaria were the nation to claim group success and the €6000 prize, a 26.800 with the three balls & two hoops combination securing the top prize. Italy finished with silver, while Azerbaijan completed the podium.

Senior Groups Cross Battle

GOLD Bulgaria

SILVER Italy

BRONZE Azerbaijan

Junior Stars shine at European Cup

With the likes of Amalia Lica and Dara Malinova having stepped up to senior competition, it was an open field for individual juniors success. 

In a day that began with the junior groups competition, Bulgaria were in typically fine form. They began Saturday with a five hoops success story, 25.800 topping the scores ahead of Ukraine and Israel. And they soon made it double gold with the clubs, 25.350 putting them just ahead of Italy and Ukraine.

Junior Groups Medallists

Five Hoops

GOLD Bulgaria 25.800

SILVER Ukraine 24.200

BRONZE Israel 23.900

Five Pairs of Clubs

GOLD Bulgaria 25.350

SILVER Italy 25.100

BRONZE Ukraine 23.650

As for the afternoon, that was packed with individual junior qualification action! Set A saw four separate leaders across the four apparatus, with Elena Vukmir of Hungary recording the top score of the first half, 25.100 with the hoop.

And as Set B brought a thrilling qualification process to a close, it was Bulgaria who emerged with Team gold thanks to the terrific trio of Aleska Rasheva, Antoaneta Tsankova and Magdalena Valkova.

Junior Team Medallists

GOLD Bulgaria 97.750

SILVER Italy 97.250

BRONZE Israel 96.800

But the fun has only just begun, with a huge Sunday ahead of us! Junior apparatus finals will get us started, with all eyes on the senior cross battle finale that will bring the European Cup here in Baku to a close.

You can still join us online for our final day! All of the action is available to watch on gymtv.online from 10:00 local time (CET + 2h).