The competition was held in different events. Kabayeva dominated the ribbon and the hoop disciplines, erasing memories of the Sydney Olympics. Chashchina knew no rivals with the ball and club.
Another Russian, Olga Kapranova, appeared in every event to win four bronzes.
The Russians dominated the team exercises, too, winning with five ribbons, three hoops and two balls.
In a response to a RIA Novosti question about her future plans, Chashchina replied that she intended to recuperate and treat her injuries. "I certainly will not compete before Beijing," she said, before adding, "I might appear at next year's world championship."
According to her, Kabayeva is also set on taking a break "Alina hasn't yet made an official announcement that she's retiring," Chashchina said, "but she is not going to attend any competitions in the near future, although her coach Irina Viner is confident Alina will be back sooner or later."
Kabayeva and Chashchina have already quit once, but not voluntarily. The International Gymnastic Federation disqualified them for two years for allegedly taking banned substances. Their return was a triumph. They dominated the world championship and then the Olympics, where the pair took gold and silver.
