Russian and Japanese winners of Voronin Cup

Watanabe, Zamo....

One of the last events of the year 2005 was held in Moscow last week, the 12th anniversary of the 'International Voronin Cup'
It was dominated by the Japanese men's and the Russian women's teams and by the all-around winner Kouichy Watanabe (JPN) and Elena Zamolodshokova (RUS)...

2005 12 th VORONIN CUP
- Moscow, Dec 15 - 16 -

The competition tahes place in honor of the late world champion (1966, Dortmund, FRG), Mikhail Voronin, who led Moscow's Dinamo program for many years.
(Voronin passed away 2004, May 22.)
Muscovite Yelena Zamolodchikova won the senior women's competition, in front of the Ukrainian Olga Scherbatykh and Polina Miller (RUS).
Her coach Nadezhda Maslennikova told 'Sport-Express':
'After the year we had, it would be desirable to head into the New Year's holiday as a winner, so Lena gave all her best here just like she did at the worlds,' Maslennikova said. 'Two fourth places at the world championships are not an occasion for pride, but on the other hand, I'm convinced that only judging mistakes deprived her of the silver medal on floor. And also it must be mentioned that we were plagued this season with serious injuries.' Zamolodshikova plans to start at the American Cup into the next season 2006.

Kyouichi Watanabe, Japan

Japan's Kyouichi Watanabe won the senior all-around men's competition. Teammate
Tatsuki Nakashima tied Russia's Dmitry Barkalov for second place.

In relation to the juniors events Russian technical director Andrei Rodionenko said the Russian press: 'The Japanese brought interesting kids, not yet great stars, but they impress in another way: all the gymnasts from this country surprisingly perform very exactly, showing a high enough standard. A very decent school is visible.'

Guests observing the competition included Liukin's daughter, American world champion Nastia Liukin, and Russian Olympic champion Alexei Nemov, as well as newlywed couple Lyudmila Yezhova and Georgy Grebenkov.