The first part of Round 2 commenced today, as the Individual senior male and female competitors took part in the technical test. The marks for the technical test are predominantly based on the execution of five prescribed elements and their composition, that is, the fluidity of transition and the coherence between each of the compulsory moves. The scores obtained today will be combined with those of the free test tomorrow (Sunday) and will determine the new European Individual champion.

It is particularly interesting to see the number and diversity of nations competing such as Russia, Slovakia, Norway or event Italy given the historical dominance of the Germans especially in the individual female and male categories since the inception of the Championship in 1984. More precisely, 12 out of 12 for the women and 10 out of 12 for the men (France’s Matthias Lang interrupted the winning streak in 2001 and 2003).

From the 38 male competitors enrolled in the first round, 15 went on to compete in Round 2. They were the first to go and it was to the great satisfaction of the public that Petr Eim from the Czech Republic elegantly rose to first place, followed by Kai Vorberg (GER) and Patric Looser from Switzerland in third. Indeed, Petr performed a really cohesive routine, with the five compulsory elements performed very accurately and a fluid transition and theme running throughout, which is very well suited to his supple frame. Kai Vorberg appeared a little uneasy in the composition which left him in second place.

For the women, Sissi Jarz from Austria was back in the lead followed by her compatriot Katharina Faltin while Germany’s Ines Jückstock is in third place. A lot of suspense and intrigue for tomorrow because if things were to continue as they were, this would be the first time a non-German national (female) takes the European title… A true sign of the growing interest in the discipline and the emergence of new vaulting nations.

The excitement continues tomorrow with the Senior Individual and Team Finals!

Results – Technical Test (Round 2)

Male Individual
1. Petr Eim (CZE) 8,559
2. Kai Vorberg (GER) 8,497
3. Patric Looser (SUI) 8,186

Female Individual
1. Sissi Jarz (AUT) 8,391
2. Katharina Faltin (AUT) 8,292
3. Ines Jückstock (GER) 8,120