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Bezzoubenko drops to 33rd in all-around qualification at rhythmic gymnastics world championships

Bezzoubenko, the reigning Canadian and Commonwealth champion, got off to a strong start in the qualification round, placing 22nd in the ball event, but struggled in her next two routines, placing 42nd in the hoop and 33rd in the ribbon.

With just one event remaining in the qualification round Bezzoubenko is ranked 33rd all around with 47.973 points and will need to bounce back with a strong routine in clubs on Thursday to have a shot at getting into the top 24 needed to reach the final.

“There’s probably nerves knowing there’s the chance to make the top 24 and that’s hard on any gymnast,” said Canadian national team director Teresa Orr of Toronto.

“Patricia had a really good warmup, but in the competition it was a case of a number of little things and one throw that went too far and caused her problems.”

Margarita Mamun of Russia leads the way in the all-around with 54.858 points followed by Ganna Rizatdinova of the Ukraine with 54.748 and Son Yeon Jae of South Korea at 54.132.

Despite her difficulties Bezzoubenko is on track to place in the top 38 and secure her spot in the final qualification meet for the 2016 Olympics in April.

Two other Canadians competed in the ribbon event with Carmen Whelan and Katherine Uchida, both of Toronto, placing 39th and 54th respectively.

Whalen and Uchida are both making their first appearance at a world championships with the main goal of gaining experience.

“Carmen did a steady routine, but she had problems with the execution on her first turn when she completed just one rotation instead of three,” said Orr. “And Katherine had excellent turns but experienced some difficulties handling the ribbon.”

Competition continues Thursday with the final day of qualification and event finals in clubs and ribbon.

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