{"id":11967,"date":"2023-10-08T01:31:08","date_gmt":"2023-10-08T01:31:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/hashimoto-extends-reign-as-world-all-around-champion-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2023-10-08T01:31:08","modified_gmt":"2023-10-08T01:31:08","slug":"hashimoto-extends-reign-as-world-all-around-champion-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/hashimoto-extends-reign-as-world-all-around-champion-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"Hashimoto extends reign as world all-around champion | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nANTWERP:
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Japan’s Olympic champion Daiki Hashimoto<\/a> bounced back after struggling in qualifying to successfully defend his men’s all-around title at the world gymnastics championships in Antwerp on Thursday.<\/p>\n

Hashimoto scored 86.132 points to finish over a point ahead of Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun, who took silver (84.998), with American teenager Frederick Richard taking a surprise bronze (84.332).<\/p>\n

Only two competitors from each country can compete in the all-around final and Hashimoto could have been left out.<\/p>\n

But his team opted to retain him at the expense of Kazuma Kaya, who had finished ahead of him in Sunday’s qualifying.<\/p>\n

It proved a good decision by Japan, who won team gold two days earlier.<\/p>\n

On Thursday, Hashimoto started his evening with an almost perfect floor routine but was frustrated after taking a big step forward on his final landing.<\/p>\n

But the 22-year-old regained his composure, delivering an otherwise flawless performance which gave him the most coveted title in gymnastics for a second straight year.<\/p>\n

“I was a little nervous, but less than in qualifying,” Hashimoto said.<\/p>\n

“So I thought everything would be fine today, but I couldn’t control myself as well.<\/p>\n

“After (the floor), I told myself I had no choice but to do better.”<\/p>\n

Kovtun only finished 19th in qualifying, but pulled out a brilliant performance to better his bronze medal won last year in Liverpool, with Richard, 19, putting the US back on the men’s podium in the all-around for the first time since 2010.<\/p>\n

“It’s really fun and exciting, I’ve watched these guys for two to three years in the international level. Now I get to stand next to them which is pretty cool,” said Richard, who also won team bronze on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

“They are my competitors of course and I am excited to come back in future competitions and push for that gold.”<\/p>\n

First in qualifying, Hashimoto’s Japanese teammate Kenta Chiba failed to finish on the podium.<\/p>\n

Hashimoto further confirmed his status as the new king of men’s gymnastics, taking up the torch from illustrious compatriot Kohei Uchimura.<\/p>\n

He still has a way to go, however, to catch the now retired Uchimura, holder of 10 world crowns, including six in the all-around, and who dominated at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.<\/p>\n

Hashimoto has the chance of winning further medals on Saturday when he competes in the floor and high bar apparatus finals.<\/p>\n

In the women’s competition, US superstar Simone Biles will try to win a 21st world title in the all-around final on Friday, in a possible duel with defending champion Rebeca Andrade of Brazil.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n