Trubnikova maintains Russian rule in all-around

Russia’s Daria Trubnikova was in a class of her own as she claimed the rhythmic gymnastics all-around title with a 4.300-point advantage over Khrystyna Pohranychna (UKR) at the America Pavilion on Tuesday.

Trubnikova, 15, who secured Russia’s third consecutive Youth Olympic Games gold in the event, made minor mistakes in her hoop routine, but managed to control her nerves when it came to the ball, clubs and ribbon.

“I had a difficult start and was only in second place after the first routine, but after that I was able to perform without mistakes,” she said.

“I knew it was going to be a hard day, so I prepared myself for anything. I still can’t believe that I won and I am very proud of this achievement.”

The Russian’s victory followed gold medals for her compatriots Alexandra Merkulova at Singapore 2010 and Irina Annenkova at Nanjing 2014.

As soon as her all-around score come up on the big screen, Trubnikova and her coach began receiving text messages and calls.

“My phone just doesn’t stop ringing and I keep on getting messages. It’s very cool but it is also a bit strange, just because it still has to sink in.

“When we saw my score we called the head coach back in Russia, Irina Viner, who congratulated me. I wanted to thank her for all the training we have done together.”

Trubnikova said she had not focused on how big a lead she held over Pohranychna in the final. “I didn’t really think about the gap between us to be honest. Only after the third routine I saw that I was far ahead, but I still tried to think about my own routine.

“I had some kind of weird feeling in my stomach because of it. Maybe it was some nerves - I can’t really describe it. But those feelings soon changed to happy emotions because I won the gold here. And that’s amazing.”

Talisa Torretti (ITA), who had qualified for the final in second place, claimed Italy’s first YOG medal in rhythmic gymnastics by securing bronze.