By Fawad Hussain

Doha: A real treat awaits fans in Doha as the FIG’s showpiece event – Ninth Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series gets under way today with top gymnasts from around the globe ready to display their best at state-of-the-start Aspire Dome.

Over 100 gymnasts the best from their respective 33 countries are participating in the three-day event being organised by the Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF).

Over the years Doha has become the best venue for the gymnasts due to best ‘facilities’ and ‘hospitality’.

“ I love to come to Doha and compete” High Bar World No.1 Nicolas Cordoba told reporters on the eve of the opening day of the competition.

“This is my fifth time in Doha and every time I come here I feel a renewed excitement as I enjoy the support from fans” said the Argentinean before rating the competition as the best gymnastics event.

Cordoba said this year’s event holds much importance for him promising to give his best. “It’s an Olympic year and I would give my best to prepare for Rio.”

Among the many stars who will be seen in action during the event is five-time Olympic medallist Catalina Ponor (ROU) who will make her comeback to international competition in Doha. Ponor was the most decorated gymnast at the Athens 2004 Olympics winning gold in the team event on floor and on balance beam.

She retired from Gymnastics following the London Olympic Games where she took silver on floor and bronze with the team.

In addition to Ponor the international field includes 2015 European All-around champion Giulia Steingruber of Switzerland who returns to Doha hoping to repeat her excellent performance from last year that won her the titles on both of her speciality events. She will be joined by Diana Bulimar (ROU) and Teja Belak (SLO) both medallists from last year’s World Challenge Cup.

On the men’s side five-time Olympic and World champion Zou Kai (CHN) is bound to catch the audience’s attention.

The 28-year-old has typically had good results performing before the Qatari public: he won the floor and horizontal Bar titles in 2011 and 2012 as well as the Floor and team event at the 2006 Asian Games.

Gymnasts from Iraq and Syria are also expected to attract gymnastics fans.

Top officials of different gymnastics federations will also expect to visit Doha during the competition.

Hosts Qatar will field three gymnasts including Mahmoud Mohammed Al Saadi Ahmed Saleh and Farah Tareq Mahmoud Redha. “ It’s a huge event and I am delighted to return” said Farah who missed the last year’s event due to injury.

“I will go step by step and my first aim is to reach the finals.”

Farah will take part in the uneven bars competition where she will be up against the world’s best.

“The competition is going to be tough and I will give my best to achieve success on return to the event.” QGF President Ali Al Hitmi said the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series which has become a major FIG event was not just an achievement for his federation but also for Qatar.

“ This event is being praised as one of the best competitions” said the QGF chief. “We are comparatively a new federation but we have gained enough experience and we are ready for the 2018 World Championship.”

“Our hospitality is why athletes love to come here and compete and we are looking forward to hosting another successful event.”

Today’s event includes qualification competition for men (6 apparatus). Fans eager to watch the proceedings can book their ticket online at www.q-tickets.com while tickets will also be available at Aspire Dome. The Peninsula