Filipino gymnast John Ivan Cruz’s campaign in the FIG Apparatus World Cup came to an end after a disappointing finish in the men’s floor exercise event last Friday in Cottbus, Germany.
Cruz, a Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, landed in 18th place overall out of a field of 66 competitors, collecting 13.866 points in his debut performance. However, his performance fell short of expectations, leading Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion to make the decision to end his participation in the World Cup.
“Ivan didn’t do well in Cottbus. I will not let him continue anymore in this World Cup, and he will go back to Manila,” Carrion told DAILY TRIBUNE.
Meanwhile, Tokyo Olympics champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel maintained his lead in the competition with 14.900 points heading into the final round.
Another Filipino gymnast, Levi Ruivivar, also faced disappointment with a 12th place finish in the women’s uneven bars event out of 57 athletes. Ruivivar scored 13.333 points but failed to secure a top spot in the competition.
Despite the setbacks, Ruivivar, along with Emma Malabuyo, who previously won a silver medal in the Cairo edition, still has a chance to redeem themselves in the balance beam and floor exercise events.
In addition to Ruivivar and Malabuyo, SEA Games gold medalist Juancho Miguel Besana is also set to compete in the men’s vault event in the tournament.
