Russian Khorkina Hopes for Cheerful Ending at Gymnastics Worlds

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, August 16, 2003

Russian Khorkina Hopes for Cheerful Ending at Gymnastics Worlds

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Bidding a farewell to the worlds, Russian Svetlana Khorkina is clearly looking forward to reclaiming her 2001 world uneven and vault titles at the 37th world gymnastics championships to be officially opened at the Arrowhead Pond Friday evening.

Khorkina, the 1.64-meter slender gymnast who claimed 21 world titles including nine golds and has been competing in every worlds since 1994, shockingly fell twice in the uneven bars final at the 2002 worlds to end her unprecedented five consecutive gold medals streak from 1995 to 2002.

"This will be my final worlds, and it's sad. I want to be remembered by my gymnastics. I want to compete like I know I can,"said the three-time European all-around champion and five consecutive European winners on the bars (1994-2002).

However, this year she will not only beat herself but also a throng of competitors to fulfill her dream as defending champion Courtney Kupets of the United States has superior amplitude, excellent form, and chooses a diverse set of elements for her routine, not to mention her home turf advantage.

Also watch for another pair of Americans Hollie Vise and Ashley Postell and Romanian Dana Sofronie who won the bars at the nationals. The Netherlands has also had athletes in the finals onthis event in the last two world championships, and even Britain's Beth Tweddle, three-time national champion, won the bars during an international meet with Russia.

On vault, with compatriot Elena Zamolodchikova absent this year,Khorkina might focuses more to reclaim her vault title, yet she will face challenge of another fellow Russian Natalia Ziganshina in Anaheim.

The 24-year-old Khorkina also must beat Uzbekistan's Oksana Chusovitina and American Annia Hatch, while keeps an eye on VeronaVan Der Leur from the Netherlands.

American Ashley Postell is the defending world champion on the balance beam with excellent balance between acrobatic and gymnastics elements. Defined by her grace and elegance, she will be challenged by teammates Carly Patterson, Hollie Vise and Kupets.

In addition, Romania's Oana Ban will try to claim the title on the event. And another group of gymnasts, including Khorkina, Irina Yarotska from Ukraine, and Romania's Alexandra Eremia, are all in the hunt for a medal on beam.

And the Chinese, despite a string of new faces in Anaheim, are also very strong contenders on the event as well as Spanish gymnasts.

The women's floor exercise was won by Spain's Elena Gomez in 2002 who is sure to entertain the spectators with her precision and exciting floor routine. Yet, Dutch Van Der Leur, who was slightly edged out of the medals in 2002, will look to win this time around. And also watch for American Postell, Kupets and Tasha Schwikert to figure into the final standings.

Romanian Andreea Munteanu won the national title on floor whileKhorkina triumped in Russia on the event, Brazil also has strong floor competitors, and veteran Oxana Chusovitina from Uzbekistan is extremely powerful and is always a top contender on the floor.

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