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Alicia Sacramone, a crowd favourite and resident Region 6 gymnast was unstoppable on Vault, where her final average was 9.387. Melanie Sinclair from the USA won silver with a score of 9.349, a great performance from Mel in one of her first Senior International events. Cheng Fei from China took the bronze medal scoring 9.331 in a strong line-up.
On Floor, Great Britain were well represented by Elizabeth Tweddle. This was Beth’s first competition after ankle surgery, and she performed well landing all of her tumbles and dance combinations to win a bronze medal. Alicia Sacramone from the US won silver and Patricia Moreno from Spain claiming the gold medal scoring 9.587.
On Bars, 15 year old Nastia Liukin, who had performed brilliantly in warm-ups and preliminaries, fell from the bar after a release move. Her Geinger, without question the highest in the competition was slightly off, and resulted in a final score of 8.875. Nevertheless a great meet for Nastia. Beth had an unfortunate step on landing her dismount to finish 4th just 0.025 behind Tania Gener from Spain. Chellsie Memmel fresh from her Gold medal winning performance in Birmingham won gold again with a great performance scoring 9.600. Liu Juan from China won silver with 9.575.
On the balance beam, Nastia recovered and performed a routine which was full of difficulty and composure tied for the gold medal with Nan Zhang of China scoring 9.587. Chellsie Memmel, just behind Nastia, scored a 9.500, with a great routine to win bronze.
The new format of the American Cup almost eliminates the All Around title, which resulted in higher scoring individual events. The USA Team did not include a single member of the Athens 2004 Team, and the team of young women had clearly made their adjustments. Since the Athens Olympic Games of 2004, the USA has experienced unprecedented growth in its gymnastics programs and the team will now embark on a European Tour to Great Britain and Switzerland which will give an opportunity for European fans to see some great gymnastics.
In the Men’s Events Alexander Artemev from the USA received a standing ovation from the audience and fellow competitors for his fast paced technically perfect pommels routine to take gold. Louis Smith from Great Britain came fourth scoring 8.475.
On floor Jeffrey Wammas from the Netherlands won gold with a score of 9.225 with Alexander in silver medal position.
In the Rings finals, Yuri Van Gelder from the Netherlands won gold, with Jordan Jovtchev from Bulgaria winning silver and Eric La Morte from the US winning bronze.
For more information and results please visit the following links:-
American Cup Official Site
Men’s Results
Women’s Results
Gymnastics Revolution
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