"I know Masha Borisova's programs by heart!" Yana Batyrshina - about the gymnast's performance at the Alina Kabaeva Grand Prix Champions Cup

The silver medalist of the 1996 Olympic Games Yana Batyrshina shared her impressions after the completion of the Alina Kabaeva Grand Prix Champions Cup. 

"The tournament is amazing. It is also very interesting because the rules are new; all the girls have new programs. And it was tremendously interesting to observe and watch. And the competition is so fierce. If earlier we can assume who will be the top three winners, then it is so catchy now. It was incredibly interesting to watch," Yana said.

She noted that in the current cycle, special attention is paid to the artistic component.

"The girls began to open up more, to reveal who they are, this is more like a performance. If earlier the focus was on technical difficulty of the program, now it is on artistry," she said.

In addition, Yana highlighted the strengths of the International Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs Association gymnast Mariia Borisova from St. Petersburg, who became the champion of the tournament.

"I have a feeling that I know all of Masha Borisova’s programs by heart. When there was the tournament in Qatar, Masha already showed that program and, certainly, I remembered it very well. She showed it for the first time. The very difficult one, the one very rich with elements, artistry, and everything. Now she added even more. Certainly, I really like Masha’s programs," she added.

The Alina Kabaeva Grand Prix Champions Cup was held in Moscow from March 4 to 6. Yana Batyrshina took part in the award ceremony following the finals in individual events.