Game changer

By Kang Seung-woo

Son Yeon-jae won a bronze medal in hoop at a rhythmic gymnastics World Cup series in Penza, Russia on Sunday night (KST).

The 17-year-old scored 28.05 points for her routine to finish third behind gold medalist Aliya Garayeva of Azerbaijan with a score of 28.675 and Russia’s Daria Dmitriyeva, who recorded 28.525.

Her podium finish marked the first-ever achievement for Korean gymnasts at any International Gymnastics Federation-organized World Cup series since the nation’s maiden participation.

Hoop is the discipline that Son has shown strong performances.

In last year’s five World Cup appearances, she reached the hoop final three times, compared with one final berth in each of ball and club.

Despite her third-place finish in hoop, however, Son failed to emulate the achievement in three other events.

She tied for sixth in ball after notching 24.05 points, while placing sixth in both of club and ribbon with 27.25 and 27.3, respectively.

In the previous day’s individual all-around qualification, she stood fourth in the overall standings that aggregated her all four event scores after scoring 112.2 points — 27.9 in hoop, 28.125 in ball, 27.675 in club and 28.5 in ribbon. The overall rankings are decided by combining points from the qualifying round.

“I trained really hard for the World Cup series and I am glad it paid off,” Son said through her agency.

“I believe that the good result from the hoop event will encourage me in the future.”

“It was the first time for Son to advance to the final in all four events,” said Seo Hye-jeong, an official of the Korea Gymnastics Association.