Oleg Stepko, a former representative of Ukraine, came out on top in the men's event, while Kristina Pravdina, who previously competed for Russia, won the women's equivalent.

Stepko's overall points tally of 90,600 saw him finish ahead of compatriot Petr Pakhnyuk on 88,050, and Croatia's Filip Ude on 86,100.

Turkey's Tutya Yilmaz and Demet Mutlu scored 50,131 and 49,332 to take the women's silver and bronze medals respectively, both falling short of Pravdina's total of 50,339.

"There are high expectations for the Azerbaijani athletes in all types of competitions," Adil Huseynzade, the director of Baku Gymnastics School, told AzerNews.

"Previously, we were strong only in rhythmic gymnastics, but today, we count on getting rewards in all types.

"Our gymnasts Oleg Stepko and Petr Pakhnyuk are currently in the first-rate training and we can expect medals from them in the Games."

Kristina Pravdina claimed the women's all-around title with a score of 50,339 points
©Getty Images



A new competition format is being trialled at the three-day Open Joint Azerbaijan Championship, with all five gymnastic disciplines - artistic, rhythmic, trampoline, aerobics and acrobatics - showcased simultaneously in the same hall for the first time ever.

Georges Guelzec, President of the European Union of Gymnastics, told insidethegames  that the governing body is keen to see how the Olympic disciplines - artistic, rhythmic and trampoline - compliment the non-Olympic disciplines - aerobics and acrobatics - as a spectacle.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Guelzec said the Championship is an historic moment for gymnastics.

"I hope that you all, the spectators as well as the gymnasts, will utterly enjoy the performances," explained the Frenchman.

The format is set to be used at the inaugural European Games, which are due to take place from June 12 to 28.

The competition continues tomorrow with trampoline, aerobics, rhythmic and acrobatics all featuring in the scheduled programme.

A total of 131 gymnasts from 22 countries are competing across the five disciplines.

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