Dina Averina lands all-around title at Grand Prix Moscow 2021

Dina Averina proved she is still the top rhythmic gymnast in the world, by sealing the Grand Prix Moscow 2021 all-around title on Sunday (21 February).

The Russian was the strong favourite to win going into the finale at the Irina Viner-Usmanova Gymnastics Palace, having topped qualification with the highest individual scores in the ball and clubs.

After finishing second with the hoop and dominating the competition with the ball, the 13-time world champion could only manage 3rd place in the clubs. But it was business as usual after that, as she sealed the title with a winning ribbons routine.

Bulgaria's Boriana Kaleyn took silver, while Ekaterina Vedeneeva of Slovenia bagged bronze.

After a promising start to the event, a disappointing ribbons routine meant that Averina's twin sister Arina finished in fifth.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medal favourite Dina Averina used the coronavirus-enforced year away from competition to freshen up her routines with new music.

"We will try to surprise the fans and rivals," she told TASS at the event, which allowed a 50 percent crowd capacity as a Covid-19 safety measure.

"We really missed the competition with the audience, when you go out on the carpet and the audience supports you. Yesterday and today I went out when I was not strong enough. But the audience supported me so much that I tried you can better show your program.

"I trained hard, but my body has already lost the habit of competitions.

"Rhythmic gymnastics, it seems to me, did not stand still during the pandemic. All the girls, like us, have complicated their programs, worked a lot on the execution of the elements so that everything looks more harmonious and beautiful. Everyone is in good shape, everyone goes to the Olympic the games are in good condition."

READ: Olympic rhythmic gymnastics at Tokyo 2020: Top five things to know