Paris And Madrid Get New FEI World Cup™ Vaulting Season Off To Flying Start

There is great anticipation as the FEI World Cup™ Vaulting 2015/2016 season gets underway with a double-bill of events in Paris (FRA) and Madrid (ESP) next weekend. This sport, which has grown massively in terms of public and media support and appeal in recent years, will be showcased over five qualifying rounds this winter, and the stars will be out in force when the action gets underway in Madrid on Thursday evening.

Vaulting demands outstanding physical fitness from the athletes and a harmonious relationship with the horse that carries them through their routine. Mounting and dismounting, shoulder and handstands, kneeling and standing exercises and carrying or lifting another vaulter are just some of the tests. The key to success is a lot of hard work and dedication along with artistic flair and gymnastic ability. And team-work is also crucial, with a lunger ensuring the horse maintains a steady canter on a circle no smaller than 15 metres.

At its best, Vaulting is a joy to watch, with grace, energy, power and discipline combined with a huge sense of drama and entertainment. The buzz of excitement created in the Vaulting arena at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) last year was unforgettable, and indoor audiences will enjoy lots more of the same over the months to come.

Three categories

There are three categories of competition in the FEI World Cup™ Vaulting series, Individual Male, Individual Female and Pas-de-Deux.

The Female line-up is headed by Switzerland’s Simone Jaiser who claimed individual gold at the FEI European Vaulting Championships in Aachen (GER) this summer. The 29-year-old, who was individual bronze medalist at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA), clinched it with a performance that oozed comfort, confidence and class, and she will be the one to beat when the first of the two Freestyle competitions kicks off at 19.00 local time at the Spanish venue on Thursday.

Also lining out in the Female division will be Austria’s Isabel Fiala and Daniela Fritz, while French vaulter, 30-year-old Anne-Sophie Musset, who was a winner at CVIO4* Saumur (FRA) in April and runner-up at the CVI3* in Moorsele (BEL) in May, will be hoping to put the pressure on Jaiser. The Swiss athlete, her lunger Rita Blieske and her horse Luk have enjoyed a fabulous year with wins at Moorsele, Bern (SUI) and Wiesbaden (GER) in the lead-up to Aachen however, so is firm favourite at the opening leg.

Strong contenders

The Individual Male competition in Madrid has attracted three strong contenders including Switzerland’s Lukas Heppler who just missed a medal when finishing fourth at the FEI World Cup™ Vaulting 2015 Final in Graz (AUT) earlier this year and another 22-year-old, Italy’s Francesco Bortoletto who was individually sixth at last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Caen (FRA).

At 29 years of age, Germany’s Daniel Kaiser has a lot more experience under his belt however, and the vaulter who came out on top at Ermelo (NED) in August and who has a European bronze medal in his trophy cabinet, will be putting the pressure on his younger opponents.

At the same time as the second and deciding competitions take place at the Spanish fixture, the first of the two Freestyle competitions will be getting underway in Paris on Friday evening. And with The Netherlands’ Clair de Ridder and Carole Sneekes, Switzerland’s Pascale Wagner and Nadja Buttiker and Italy’s Anna Cavallaro all vying for the Female honours this is going to be another hard-fought affair.

20.-21.02.2015, Graz / AUT, FEI World Cup Vaulting Final.
Wild, Lisa
Nina Rossin
Robin 482
Foto: Daniel Kaiser – impressions

A real battle

And Paris promises a real battle in the Male division, with Czech Republic’s Lukas Klouda, Hungary’s Balazs Bence and Switzerland’s Andrin Muller taking on the host nation’s Clement Taillez and Vincent Haennel.

French spectators truly love this sport, and especially the emotion of the Pas-de-Deux. America’s Kimberly and Cassidy Palmer have enjoyed a spectacular year, with four CVI victories to their credit, and Germany’s Jolina Ossenberg-Engles and Timo Gerdes, who missed out on a spot at the European Championships this year, will be doing their very best to please the judges knowing that the French brother-and-sister duo of Lucie and Simon Chevrel will have the home crowd right behind them.

The FEI World Cup™ Vaulting season will continue with legs in Salzburg (AUT) on 4 and 5 December, at Mechelen (BEL) on 26 December and in Leipzig (GER) from 14 to 16 January.

All competitors have had to qualify for entry to the series so top-class competition can be expected, and the excitement is just about to begin…..

“We look forward to the start of this new World Cup season in a discipline which has now secured its place at the forefront of equestrian sport, and we are very pleased to welcome two new venues, Madrid and Mechelen, to the series this year”, says FEI Director for Driving, Reining and Vaulting, Bettina de Rham.

Louise Parkes

Australians To Spearhead SKUD18 Pack At Para World Sailing Championships

The 2015 Para World Sailing Championships will see 142 sailors from 31 nations compete across three Paralympic events in Williamstown, Melbourne, Australia from 27 November to 3 December.

World Championship titles and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games places are at stake with racing taking place out of the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria. A number of Paralympic medallists and World Champions make up the starters in the 2.4mR, SKUD18 and Sonar fleets.

London 2012 Paralympic Games gold medallists Dan Fitzgibbon and Liesel Tesch (AUS) will spearhead the 18-boat SKUD18 fleet in Melbourne and come into the event on an unbeaten run. After a short break following London 2012 the pair were back in the SKUD18 at the 2014 World Championships in Nova Scotia, Canada where they took their first world title together. Since then, the pair have been a mainstay at the top of the podium in the last 12 months winning gold at Sailing World Cup Melbourne and Miami as well as the Delta Lloyd Regatta in Medemblik, the Netherlands.

Sailing on home waters, holding an unbeaten run, the odds look heavily stacked in the Australians favour and Tesch remained confident, “Melbourne is one of our favourite waterways in the world and the event will be another great positive step in our Paralympic preparation. And no pressure on us as the defending World Champions…. well, the big target will be on our back after our Paralympic Gold medal first, then 2014 World Champion and our season so far, so watch this space.

2.4mR Para Worlds fleet set to be most decorated in Paralympic Sailing history

“It’s absolutely fantastic to have the Worlds Championships here in Australia and it’s quite an honour to have it on beautiful Port Phillip. It will be the chance for Australians to have a look at top level, fantastic racing.

“Hopefully we’ll get some fans to come out and see some great Paralympic sailing out here for the first time. It would be nice to get some Melburnians to come out on the accessible boats, to come and have a look and hopefully also to get some Paralympians from other sports out, to come and see one of the best sports.”

Of the 18-teams in Williamstown, just four remain together following the London 2012 Paralympic Games and that experience could prove vital in Williamstown.

Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell (GBR) are the most decorated SKUD18 sailors in the fleet and hold five world titles, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 as well as London 2012 bronze. In recent times they have played second fiddle to the Australians but in Fitzgibbon and Tesch’s backyard, there is no better arena to beat them on the Road to Rio and they will be up for the challenge.

Italy’s Marco Gualandris and Marta Zanetti remain together following London 2012 and will be pushing for the podium. Singapore’s Jovin Tan and Desiree Lim also retain their partnership and whilst they’re capable of a podium finish, Paralympic qualification will be their main focus after they opted out of sailing at the first qualifier.

At the 2014 World Championships Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Italy and the United States of America qualified for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Sailing Competition. As host nation, Brazil are guaranteed a spot on the Rio 2016 meaning that five remaining places are up for grabs at the 2015 Para World Sailing Championships.

Helm: Daniel Fitzgibbon / Crew: Liesl Tesch (AUS)
Racing -Day 4 / SKUD 18
ISAF Sailing World Cup – Melbourne
Sandringham Yacht Club
Thursday 11 December 2014
© Sport the library / Jeff Crow

Seven nations head to Melbourne with expectations of taking one of those five places which will make for an interesting week across the 11 race series.

Paralympic experience from Israel’s Zahavi Hagar, New Zealand’s Tim Dempsey, and Malaysia’s Nurul Amilin Balawi could play key as they sail with new crews for the 2015 Worlds but teams from Spain, Netherlands, Poland and the experienced Singaporeans will ensure a stern test.

The SKUD18 fleet will start racing at 13:00 local time on Saturday 28 November and will conclude racing on Thursday 3 December.

Newfanzone BPL Team Of The Week (Game Week 13)

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper- David de Gea (Manchester United)

The Spanish shot stopper was at his best at Vicarage road on Saturday making point blank saves to help his side get an away win.

Right back – Sheamus Coleman (Everton)

The Irish defender had an outstanding performance against Aston Villa at the weekend. He was “solid” in defence and his darting runs caused Aston Villa problems throughout out the match.

Centre back – Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham)

Alderweireld continued his impressive run in the Tottenham defence against West Ham on Sunday. He capped off his solid defensive performance with a lovely goal.

Centre back – Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)

The Liverpool defender had an awesome performance against Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday. He showed defensive solidity throughout the match and scored a breathtaking volley.

Left back – Danny Rose (Tottenham)

The English defender is having a fine season and showed that with another standout performance in Tottenham’s victory against West Ham.

Centre midfield – Ross Barkley (Everton)

The young English midfielder had an outstanding performance at the weekend. He scored two beautiful goals and created one as Everton thrashed Aston Villa 4-0.

Centre midfield – James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion)

Morrison had a top performance in midfield against Arsenal on Saturday. He worked tirelessly throughout the match and scored a brilliant goal which turned around the game for Tony Pulis’ men

Right midfield – Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)

The Brazilian’s performance against Manchester City was outstanding. His combination with fellow Brazilian Firmino was a joy to watch. He capped off his performance with a lovely goal.

Left midfield – Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

The Brazilian had a stand out performance against Manchester City at the weekend. His trickery on the ball and his link up with Coutinho was devastating for Manchester City. He capped off his performance with a sublime finish.

Newfanzone BPL team of the week (Game Week 13)

Striker – Harry Kane (Tottenham)

The young English striker continued his fine form at the weekend scoring two beautiful goals against West Ham.

Striker – Romelu Lukaku (Everton)

Another top performance from the Belgian striker who scored two beautiful goals against Aston Villa and he reached an impressive landmark becoming the fifth player in Premier League history to score 50 goals before turning 23 (along with Fowler, Owen, Rooney & Ronaldo)

NFF Invites APFON, NANF To Joint Meeting

The leadership of Nigeria Football has invited the Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria (APFON) and the National Association of Nigerian Footballers (NANF) to a meeting in Lagos on Thursday.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick said the joint meeting had become necessary in order to find a permanent solution to the discord that has seen two different bodies claiming to represent the interests of professional footballers in Nigeria for so many years now.

“Our administration is seeking to install harmony in all sectors of the game of football, and the players – the real actors – are very, very important.

“We are keen to bring this discord, this misunderstanding between NANF and APFON to an end. Football thrives in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, and you cannot truly protect the interests of persons under a structure of disharmony,” Pinnick contended.

Thursday’s meeting will take place at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, and each of the bodies has been asked to attend with five members.

“We are lovers of peace. We will do everything humanly possible to bring the two unions together and make them work together.”

In the past, the Nigeria Football Federation had recognized APFON as the Member of Congress. The new effort seeks to unite the two in the interest of active and retired footballers in the country.

David Haye Set For Comeback Fight In January Against Mark De Mori

David Haye will return to the ring to face Australian Mark De Mori at London’s O2 Arena on January 16 after coming out of a three-and-a half year retirement.

Former WBA title holder David Haye believes he can become world heavyweight champion again after confirming his comeback this morning.

Announcing the fight, Haye said: “Please sit back and get ready for another fun-fuelled heavyweight campaign to the very top”

Haye, who has 24 knock-outs from his 26 wins and two losses was last seen in the ring in July 2012 when he defeated fellow Londoner Dereck Chisora. In 2013, he twice pulled out of fighting Tyson Fury due to a cut and a shoulder injury.

David Haye, a former heavyweight and cruiserweight world champion will be trained by Shane McGuigan, who has guided Carl Frampton to the IBF super-bantamweight title.

Haye believes WBA top-10 ranked De Mori will be his first step back to the top.

“I’m so happy to be able to step back through the ropes and back into the ring, where I do my best work,”

David Haye
photo credit: Fitness Professional
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode

“It’s been a long three-and-a-half years out, with many ups and downs, but The Hayemaker is finally back, and ready to do what I do best. I’ve a new team, a new look and new inspiration to achieve my goals.” The former world champ said

Perth-born Mark De Mori (30-1-2, 26 KOs) is undefeated since September 2004 and he is based in Croatia.

“I’ve been put on the side lines for many years, frustratingly looking in, and not been given the opportunity to fulfil my ambition to fight the big names and to become the heavyweight champion of the world,”

“Well that has now changed and January 16 at The O2 will be my time to shine, when I knock David Haye back into retirement. To all my Aussie brothers and sisters make sure you see this fight live, it’s going to be brutal.” De Mori said

ITTF Announces Breakthrough Star and Star Coach Nominations For 2015 ITTF Star Awards

International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has announced the nominees for the 2015 Breakthrough Star & 2015 Star Coach awards for the 2015 ITTF Star Awards that

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has announced the nominees for the 2015 Breakthrough Star & 2015 Star Coach awards for the 2015 ITTF Star Awards that will be held on 9 December 2015 in Lisbon, Portugal.

The 2015 ITTF Star Awards will be the third edition of the ITTF’s year-ending extravaganza to celebrate the achievements of athletes and coaches in 2015, this time in Lisbon’s emblematic city landmark ofPátio da Galé.

A new addition to the Star Awards, the “Breakthrough Star” award will show recognition to the rising stars in the sport and celebrate their spectacular performance on the international stage.

Nominees in the running for the 2015 Breakthrough Star amp; Star Coach are:

Breakthrough Star presented by TMS International:

Hugo CALDERANO (BRA) – Became the 2015 Pan American Champion at just 19 years of age to book his place at the Rio 2016 Olympic games. Calderano is the leader of a fantastic new generation of Latin American players.
Mima ITO (JPN) – Won two World Tour titles, made the World Championships quarter finals and has made it to the Japanese team for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at just 14 years of age.
JANG Woojin (KOR) – Impressive results at the 2015 Asian Championships and has risen rapidly in the World Ranking in 2015. Progressing well since he became the Junior World Champion in 2013.
Nomination Video: https://youtu.be/EeeaOuraWmk

Japanese duo Mima Ito and Miu Hirano being told that they have just won $40,000!

Star Coach presented by Butterfly:

Viorel FILIMON (Romanian National Coach) – Guided Elizabeta Samara from a mini cadet to become the 2015 European Champion, coaching her every step of the way.
LIU Guoliang (Chinese National Coach) – Oversaw China win every possible major title in 2015, as well being responsible for bringing the new batch of young Chinese table tennis players through the system.
QIAN Qianli (Austria National Coach) – In his first act as Austria’s National coach, he guided the Men’s team to become the European Team Champions for the first time in history in 2015, as well as having 3 Austrian players in the European Championships men’s doubles final.
Nomination Video: https://youtu.be/Z5MeG36-Nv0

Hugo Calderano, Mima Ito and Jang Woojin contends for the 2015 Breakthrough Star.

Fans are now able to vote for their Male & Female Star players, as well as for the Star Point of the year on ITTFStarAwards.com! Voting closes on 25 November 2015.

The winners of the 2015 Male & Female Table Tennis Star will based on 50% on fans’ votes, and 50% on results from the expert panel judging, made up of their peers, and media experts, while the Star Point will be fully based onfans’ choice. The remaining awards (Star Coach, Breakthrough Star, Male & Female Para Table Tennis Star, and the Fair Play Star) will be dependent on expert judging.

Sunshine Queens make me proud – Olujohungbe

Sunshine Queens coach, Kayode Olujohungbe said he is “proud” to be in charge of the 2015 Nigeria Women Federation Cup champions after watching them beat Bayelsa Queens 3-1 in the finals at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

The Bayelsa girls got the opener in the early second half through Patience Kalu but Sunshine Queens forward, Shola Oyewusi who came in for Tina Oyateleme in the 60th minutes scored the equaliser to end it 1-1.

And the game went straight to penalty shootout, Sunshine and Falcons keeper, Tochukwu Oluhie saved three to win the highly contested encounter 3-1 which made it the first major trophy for Ondo State since 1976.

Sunshine Queens’ coach, Kayode Olujohungbe

“The girls made me proud as their head coach and I want to say congratulations to them and our fans.

“They were disciplined and determined on the pitch. We lost several scoring chances in the first half but with God, we were able to come back and equalise. Its a great display by the team.

“The girls are wonderful and good to win the first major trophy for the state under my care”, Olujohungbe said.

Also, Chairman, Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Akin Akinbobola hailed the wonderful spirit of the girls saying the team has made Mr. Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and good people of the state proud.

“I’m very proud of the girls and I’m sure the people of Ondo State will be happy. It’s a God win and well battle fought”.

Sunshine Queens of Akure

….Tina Oyateleme Dedicates Golden Boot Award To God, Mum

Sunshine Queens FC attacking midfielder, Tina Oyateleme has dedicated her highest goal scorer award in the 2015 Nigeria Women Federation Cup to God and her mother, Mrs. Agnes Oyateleme.

She won the 2015 edition with three goals from all matches played in the competition.

The skillful player was quick to devote the award to her creator who has kept her moving in her promising career.

“I am happy for the award but most importantly happy for the team that we won the trophy for the first in the history of the state. I’m so happy to write my name in the history book of the state.

“I will like to dedicate the personal award to my creator; I owe Him everything in life and my mum who has been my source of inspiration and support.

“It is a great award for me and personally it is something very important as a player to achieve this award and I’m very proud and honoured to have received it”, she said.

Oyateleme also gave credit to her teammates saying that it was their contribution that made it possible.

“I don’t want to forget my teammates because without them it would have been difficult to get this award”.

At the league level, she also played a key role in ensuring that the Akure based team came second in their group.

Florentino Pérez Backs Benitez Despite Fans Prostest…

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has given under-pressure Manager Rafa Benitez a vote of confidence after the 1-4 humiliation at the Santiago Bernabéu by bitter rivals Barcelona.

Real Madrid Fans protested the loss with some fans calling on Pérez to resign, some critics have called for early elections but the Real Madrid president as rejected such calls claiming that the protest was spearheaded by the Club’s Ultras whom he believes should be kept out of the stadium due to their “violent nature”.

On Benitez Pérez said: “Rafa Benítez is the solution, the manager has my full support”

The Real Madrid president accompanied by the members of the club’s board of directors said: “Rafa has just started his job here, let him keep working, and he will achieve his objectives.”

Football pundits and analyst were expecting Benitez to get the sack after a recent slump in form which as seen the Madrid team loose two games on the bounce to Sevilla and Barcelona.

Pérez also denied plans to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to PSG stating that he had no such plans as Ronaldo is an integral part of the Los Blancos.

Rafa Benitez,
photo credit: Caricato da Serg Stallone
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode

Benitez took over from Carlo Ancelloti who was fired in the off season and he definitely got his job cut out for him with Barcelona Currently on top of the Liga with 30 points from 12 games while Real Madrid are currently 3rd with 24 points the same number of games Rafa Benitez Might get the same treatment as Ancelloti.

Real Madrid will next play Eibar away on Sunday, Nov 29 2015.

Chelsea FC Announce £23.1m Loss But Club Maintains Financial Fair Play

Chelsea FC yesterday announced its annual financial results for the year ended 30 June 2015. The group turnover figure of £314.3m was down compared to last year’s all-time record of £319.8m.

The £23.1m loss by the club is largely due to the performance of the blues in the champions league last season which saw the team crash out at the round of sixteen as against the previous season were they made it into the Semi-final stage.

According to the Club’s Chairman Bruce Buck This year’s return of £314.3m is actually “the second highest turnover figure in the club’s history despite the Champions League campaign ending at the earliest knockout round”

The chairman explained that the Chelsea’s “growing fanbase around the world” and the Club’s “programme of partnering with world-renowned and innovative market-leaders is accelerating and the beneficial impact made by the Chelsea Foundation in more than 30 countries continues to set the top standard”

Chelsea are Champions of England 2014-
photo credit: Caricato da Dudek1337
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode

The next current year looks good for the Blues according to the Chairman Bruce Buck and this is powered by new commercial deals, like the Record Shirt deal with Yokohama, the Premier League championship-winning season, “revenues related to this season’s Champions League which improve due to entering as Premier League champions and an increase in TV revenue for English clubs”

So its not all doom and gloom at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile the current Champions of England who are currently placed 15th on the Premier League table will take on Maccabi Tel-Aviv away in the Champions League Group stage Today at 8:45 PM at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Tel-Aviv Israel.

2015 TRAMPOLINE GYMNASTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ODENSE

With less than nine months before the Rio Olympic Games begin, the world’s top Trampolinists will make a big leap toward making their Olympic dreams come true at the Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships Thursday through Sunday in Odense, Denmark.

The 31st edition of the World Trampoline Championships, the competition is also the first qualification for next summer’s Olympics. Half of the 16 men’s and women’s berths for Rio will be earned in Odense, while others will advance to the Olympic Test Event April 20 in Rio for a second shot at Olympic qualification.

In addition to Trampoline, which has figured in the Olympic programme since 2000, World titles in Synchronised Trampoline, Double-mini Trampoline and Tumbling are also up for grabs in Odense. For these three disciplines too there is something extra to be earned in Denmark: Qualification places for The World Games 2017 in Wroclaw (POL), the “Olympics for non-Olympic disciplines,” are also up in the air.

Return of the Olympic champions
Three Olympic champions continue to bounce among the top contenders. China’s Dong Dong, a three-time World champion (2009, 2010 and 2013), was also Olympic champion in 2012, four years after having taken bronze in 2008. His compatriot He Wenna, the 2011 World champion, won Olympic gold in 2008 and bronze in 2012. The reigning Olympic champion, Canada’s Rosannagh MacLennan, was also crowned World champion in 2013.

Canada has another star in 2003 World champion Karen Cockburn, who has not won an individual World title since but owns three Olympic medals (bronze in 2000, silvers in 2004 and 2008). Ekaterina Khilko (UZB), the bronze medallist from the 2008 Games, and Jason Burnett and Dmitry Ushakov (RUS), silver medallists in 2008 and 2012, respectively, also know what it’s like to stand on the Olympic podium.

The big leap toward the Olympic Games is happening this week in Odense

China, an enduring dynasty
No team in Odense is as supercharged as China, which boasts five gymnasts who have won World titles in Individual Trampoline and two who have won Olympic gold as well. In the Men’s competition, 2012 Olympic champion Dong Dong and reigning World champion Tu Xiao will try to hold off the charge of younger teammates Gao Lei and Xiao Jinyu for the coveted two gymnasts per country spots in the medal round. Making the final would signal that they are still the best China has to offer in Men’s Trampoline, but Gao has proven especially dangerous the past two seasons, having beaten both his rivals several times already in World Cup competition.

All four of the Chinese women in Odense have the potential to win the World title — indeed, Li Dan (2010), 2008 Olympic champion He Wenna (2011) and Liu Lingling (2014) already have. Zhong Xingping, meanwhile, was World runner up in 2013.

The age-proof veterans
Age is just a number for top contenders Nikolai Kazak, 38, Karen Cockburn, 35, Ekaterina Khilko, 33 and Tatsiana Piatrenia, 34. Still at the top of their abilities, each of these 30-somethings could play spoiler to the favorites. Canada’s Cockburn, the most decorated Olympic Trampoline gymnast in history, is aiming to qualify for what would be her fifth Olympic Games in Rio, as is Uzbekistan’s Khilko, the Olympic bronze medallist from 2008. Belarus’s Piatrenia won a World title in Synchro Trampoline in 2003 and proved she’s still relevant by winning the Loulé World Cup, the finale of the 2015 FIG World Cup series, last month in Portugal. With Synchro partner Uladzislau Hancharou, Kazak won World silver in 2014, 20 years after making his World Championship debut for Belarus.