By Zjan Shirinian

Margarita Mamun dazzled in Izmir to top ribbon qualification at the halfway stage ©AFP/Getty ImagesRussian pair Margarita Mamun and Yana Kudryavtseva have maintained their grip on the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships by sitting first and second in ribbon qualification in Izmir.

Mamum and Kudryavtseva shared the gold medal after identical scores in yesterday's hoop final, while Kudryavtseva trumped her team mate for gold in the ball final.

The teenagers once again showed their skills in the ribbon, with Mamum scoring 18.633 after performing to Giselle.

She edged Kudryavtseva, whose performance to Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Minor scored her 18.616.

South Korean Son Yeon Jae is in a distant third with a score of 17.733.

The other 48 gymnasts competing in the Turkish city - who today took part in clubs qualification - will perform their ribbon routine tomorrow.

Ukraine's Ganna Rizatdinova has taken the early lead in the clubs event ©Bongarts/Getty ImagesUkraine's Ganna Rizatdinova has taken the early lead in the clubs event
©Bongarts/Getty Images



Ukraine's Ganna Rizatdinova, who came fourth in both the hoop and ball final, has taken an early lead with the clubs, scoring 17.600.

She is ahead of rising star Marina Durunda of Azerbaijan, with 16.850, and Bulgarian Neviana Vladinova with 16.575.

Qualification continues tomorrow, ahead of both the ribbon and clubs finals, which will conclude day four.

Kudryavtseva is the defending champion in both events after victory in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv last year.