"The competition was very productive." Head judge Zlata Tulubaeva talks about the results of the first stage of the Cup of the Strongest

Zlata Tulubaeva, head judge of the Kazan competition, summed up the results of the first stage of the Cup of the Strongest and noted that the gymnasts' progress was clearly visible, especially in the artistic and execution scores:

"We had a very productive competition. The results are excellent. After competing at international competitions and several World Cups, the girls and their coaches rehearsed their routines. We can see this for ourselves and even look at the artistic and execution scores. Naturally, they received higher scores. Why? Because they've certainly refined their routines, and they look completely different. All gymnasts need to perform all their elements cleanly. Then they'll receive high scores."

The assessed appreciated the performances of the Academy's gymnasts:

"I really liked Eva Kononova's new routine with clubs; it was executed so cleanly, charismatically, and artistically. She also received high scores for it. Sasha Borisova really impressed us, taking third place. The group exercises, the girls did a great job. They work really hard. They get better and better with each competition, and we can see it. As for the juniors, Ksyusha Savinova and Yana Zaikina, they did a great job; they handled this competition with dignity and showed the highest results. Elizaveta Geraskina is third in the all-around, based on the overall competition. As far as the award ceremony goes, two gymnasts per country receive medals. Liza did a great job! Liza did really well."