Son Yeon-jae wins season's first title in Finland

SEOUL, Feb. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korean rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae captured her first title of the season in Finland on Sunday.

Son won the gold medal in ball at the first World Cup of the season in Espoo, Finland, with the score of 18.450. Dina Averina of Russia had the silver at 18.100 points, and Ganna Rizatdinova of Ukraine took the bronze at 18.000.

It was Son's first World Cup gold medal since sweeping up four titles in the individual all-around, clubs, ball and ribbon at the Lisbon World Cup in April 2014.

Earlier Sunday, Son won the bronze medal in hoop.

On Saturday, Son claimed the silver in the individual all-around with a career-high score of 73.550 points, with Aleksandra Soldatova of Russia taking the title with 73.750.

After coming in fifth in the individual all-around at the 2012 London Olympics, Son is eyeing a podium finish at this year's Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro in August.

The Espoo World Cup featured some Olympic hopefuls, but was missing three-time world all-around champion Yana Kudryavtseva and reigning world all-around silver medalist Margarita Mamun, both of Russia.

jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)