More Gold for Russia at 2013 World University Games

Jul 8, 2013 by Anne Phillips

Following yesterday's domination of the Russian women at the 2013 World University Games in Kazan, the Russian men's team also claimed team gold.

The strong, experienced Russian team of all arounders David Belyavski, Nikolai Kuksenkov, and Nikita Ignatyev, and event specialists Denis Ablyazin and Emin Garibov decisively won the team competition over Ukraine and Japan.

Oleg Verniaiev at the 2013 American Cup. Photo by Melissa Perenson.

2012 Olympian Oleg Verniaiev of Ukraine is beginning to cement himself as a World Championship all around contender. He finished atop the leader board in the all around qualifications with a 90.500, posting the top scores on pommel horse (15.650) and parallel bars (15.900). Earlier this season, Verniaiev finished second all around at the AT&T American Cup while competing through a nagging back injury.

Japan's Ryohei Kato qualified in second to the all around finals with a 90.250 while Oleg Stepko of Ukraine sits in third with 90.050. Russia's top all around, David Belyavskiy finished fourth on the day with a fall on high bar, scoring 89.750. It looks to be a tight race for the men's all around Finals.

Rewriting Russian Gymnastics reports that, "Ablyazin completed his 7.1 D value floor routine with only one error, a large step to the side after his double Arabian piked." Ablyazin was the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist on floor. With this upgraded routine, he will be a favorite for 2013 World Championship gold.

Check out this must-see 7.10 D value floor routine from Denis Ablyazin:

Click here to watch more videos from the 2013 World University Games

Results: Top 3 Teams, 2013 Men's Team Final (Click here for full results)

Results: All Around Qualifications (click here for full results)