GUADALAJARA, Spain, June 2, 2017 – 2016 Olympian and 2017 World Cup series medalist Laura Zeng of Libertyville, Ill./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center, and the U.S. senior group advanced to the finals today at the Guadalajara (Spain) World Challenge Cup. Fans in the U.S. can watch live coverage of the finals on Sunday at 9 a.m. ET on the USA Gymnastics YouTube channel.
Zeng advanced to the ball final in seventh place with a 15.700. She is also currently ranked seventh in the all-around standings, posting a 31.950 total after two events. The USA’s Lili Mizuno of Brentwood, Calif./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center, who is making her International Gymnastics Federational World Cup series debut, is also participating in the competition. After two events, she has earned a 30.000 total.
In group competition, the U.S. advanced to the five hoops final with a score of 15.700. The group, which trains at North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center, consists of Dasha Baltovick of Highland Park, Ill.; Natalie Bourand of Burr Ridge, Ill.; Ugne Dragunas of Darien, Ill.; Connie Du of Deerfield, Ill.; Yelyzaveta Merenzon of Buffalo Grove, Ill.; Nicole Sladkov of Vernon Hills, Ill.; and Kristina Sobolevskaya of Deerfield, Ill.
Competition continues tomorrow with the second day of all-around and event qualifications. The finals are scheduled for Sunday.