BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 23. The tournaments held in Baku are one of my favorites, Italian gymnast Milena Baldassarri, who won bronze at the FIG World Cup in rhythmic gymnastics in Baku in the individual all-around, told Trend on Saturday.
"I flew to Azerbaijan with a good attitude. I have been working on the program since January, improving the result. I feel good in Baku, my emotions and mood are at their best. I have already participated in the competitions held in Baku many times, and I can say that the tournaments here are one of my favorites," she said.
According to the Italian athlete, she is satisfied with her result in two competitive days.
"Of course, there is always something to strive for, there is no limit to perfection. But even if we compare it with the previous Cup, I am satisfied with the performance in Baku. This time, the work is noticeable, and the exercises are much better. Now new rules have come into force, where great attention is paid to artistry. You have to show emotions, and I definitely like it. I think that this innovation makes the competition spectacular," she added.
The FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup is being held in Baku from April 22 through April 24.
Some 130 athletes from 31 countries, including 42 individual and 84 group gymnasts (14 groups), are taking part in the competition.
Azerbaijan is being represented in the individual program by Arzu Jalilova and Zohra Aghamirova, while Gullu Aghalarzade, Laman Alimuradova, Kamilla Aliyeva, Zeynab Hummatova, Yelyzaveta Luzan and Darya Sorokina are performing within the team in group exercises.
During the three-day competitions, gymnasts will compete in the All-Around and apparatus finals. Traditionally, AGF Trophy Cup will be presented to the gymnast and team in group exercises that received the highest execution score from the judges at the World Cup.