DOHA: The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown at the 17th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha, as Ukraine’s Nazar Chepurnyi made a powerful statement in the Men’s Vault qualifications, held Thursday at the iconic Aspire Dome.
Thursday’s action also featured Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) qualifications on Balance Beam and Floor Exercise, along with Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) events on the Parallel Bars and Horizontal Bar. Rising stars and seasoned veterans alike battled for spots in the finals, ensuring a packed weekend of elite gymnastics.
Chepurnyi, a standout performer from the Ukrainian team that placed fifth at the 2024 Paris Olympics, delivered a strong performance with a score of 14.333, securing his spot in the finals and setting himself up for a potential climb up the overall leaderboard.
Trailing closely behind were a competitive field of finalists:
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Luca Giubellini (SUI)
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Artur Davtyan (ARM)
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Emirhan Kartin (TUR)
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Beno Kunst (SLO)
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Szilard Zavory (HUN)
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Alperen Avci (TUR)
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Altynkhan Temirbek (KAZ)
Artur Davtyan, the reigning leader of the Vault standings and Armenia’s historic first Olympic medalist in artistic gymnastics (Tokyo 2020), qualified third, and remains a strong favorite for the gold with his vast experience and proven track record.
The Armenian remains firmly in command of the overall Vault standings with 80 points, further cementing his status as one of the world’s premier vaulters. The Olympic silver medalist and reigning world champion continues to showcase consistency and class on the apparatus.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Nazar Chepurnyi carried his momentum into the Parallel Bars, finishing second in the qualifiers. With his dynamic routines and technical precision, Chepurnyi is now a strong contender for gold in the finals.
Joining him on the Parallel Bars final are a formidable lineup of international talent:
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Jesse Moore (AUS)
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Matteo Giubellini (SUI)
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Altan Dogan (TUR)
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Sam Mostowfi (GBR)
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Kevin George Buckley (SLO)
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James Hall (GBR)
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Yehor Perepolkin (UKR)
Sabrina Maneca-Voinea Shines Again
Romania’s rising star Sabrina Maneca-Voinea is once again commanding attention as she prepares for a pivotal performance on the Balance Beam and Floor Exercise.
The 17-year-old is no stranger to success in Doha, having clinched double gold on the same apparatuses during her senior debut at just 15.
In the current round, Hungary’s Greta Mayer led the Balance Beam qualifiers, with Sabrina close behind in second. The final promises to be a thrilling showdown featuring:
- Greta Mayer (HUN)
- Sabrina Maneca-Voinea (ROU)
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Kate McDonald (AUS)
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Diana Lobok (UKR)
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Christina Zwicker (CRO)
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Tina Zelcic (CRO)
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Audrey Rousseau (CAN)
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Vita Prijanovic (SLO)
WAG Floor Exercise
- Sabrina Maneca-Voinea (ROU)
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Kate McDonald (AUS)
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Greta Mayer (HUN)
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Medina Kapbassova (KAZ)
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Sara Peter (HUN)
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Odinakhon Robidjonova (UZB)
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Audrey Rousseau (CAN)
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Sabrina Maneca-Voinea (ROU)
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Amber Wen Si Ward (HKG)
Finals Set for Friday and Saturday
The MAG and WAG finals will take place on Friday and Saturday, with fans eagerly awaiting more breathtaking routines and potential podium shakeups. With a packed field and high stakes, the Doha leg of the World Cup is shaping up to be a defining chapter in the 2025 gymnastics season.
