A score of 35.266 points proved enough for the Russians to finish ahead of France on 31.183, and the second team of hosts Azerbaijan on 30.150.

In the women's acrobatic group competition, the Azerbaijani trio of Narmin Ramazanova, Aynur Huseynova and Lala Huseynova scored 26,880 points to add a third gold medal to the country's tally, following two individual successes yesterday.

Germany's Christina Schmitt, Laura Schmitt and Anna Schmidt fell short of the mark, taking the silver medal in what was just a two-team event.

There were also medals for Azerbaijan in the rhythmic individual all-around competition, with Marina Durunda winning silver on 70,449 points and compatriot Gulsum Shafizada securing bronze on 68,365.

Meanwhile, in the mixed pairs acrobatic competition, Bulgarian duo Elena Velikova and Aleks Zhekov came out on top with a score of 26.193, with German pairing Justice Niesar and Alex Dik second on 26.016 and Azerbaijani double act Uliana Diakova and Anatoly Leonov third on 24.652.

Azerbaijan's Marina Durunda won the silver medal in the rhythmic individual all-around competition ©Getty Images



Speaking after the second day of action at the Open Joint Azerbaijan Championship, Georges Guelzec, European Union of Gymnastics (UEG) President, said "not everything is perfect yet" with the trial of a new competition format.

For the first time ever. all five gymnastic disciplines - artistic, rhythmic, trampoline, aerobics and acrobatics - are being showcased simultaneously in the same hall.

"Adjustments need to be made in various registers," said the Frenchman.

"But, globally, I am satisfied with this formula based on alternation.

"The first day was difficult as it was a total surprise for everyone.

"And I know, changes arouse apprehension - that is normal.

"But today, the faces are radiant.

"Yes, I think we are on the right way."

On returning from Baku, the UEG's Technical Committee Presidents will proceed with a detailed evaluation of the test event, which concludes tomorrow. 

"This is an irrevocable step on the way to success for a revamped gymnastics," read a UEG statement.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
March 2015: Double gold for hosts as Baku 2015 gymnastics test event opens