Csollany lives up to favourite billing
Olympic winner and home favourite Szilveszter Csollany outmuscled defending champion Jordan Jovtchev to claim the gold in the men's rings at the world championships in Debrecen, Hungary on Saturday.
The 32-year-old Hungarian managed to control the intense pressure heaped on him by the home fans to give a near flawless exhibition of strength and stamina in the strongmans' event.
"If you are going to compete at home you have to deal with the expectations and I'm happy that I did that today," said a jubilant Csollany, who had finished marginally behind his Bulgarian rival in both of the qualifying rounds.
"I had to battle my emotions today but I wasn't going to give this chance up without a fight."
Asked if he was satisfied with his performance, Csollany grinned and said: "I was happy once Jordan's score came up."
While a deafening roar followed his every step to the apparatus, Csollany stood head down beneath the rings to compose himself before mounting his challenge.
Upon completing his double straight dismount to earn a 9.725, the crowd cheered wildly knowing that Jovtchev would have to produce something out of the ordinary to deny their man the gold.
With the gymnastics code permitting very little originality in the discipline, Bulgarian Jovtchev's small hop on landing secured him a mark of 9.675, allowing the Csollany cheering squad to erupt into wild celebrations.
The Hungarian dynamo also dismissed talks of retirement despite being one of the oldest campaigners on the circuit.
"As long as I'm top six, I'll continue to compete," he said as he showed his medal off to reporters.
"But if I can't stay fit, or can't stand the training or even my coach then I'll stop. But I don't see myself stopping before Athens (Olympics)."
Matteo Morandi of Italy finished third on 9.650.
Ivan Ivankov of Belarus, who has often failed to live up to his potential despite once being declared the greatest gymnast in the world by Sports Illustrated, was edged out to fourth.
