May 17, 2010

MOSCOW - University of Illinois junior Paul Ruggeri took home a bronze medal on high bar (15.075) at the 2010 World Stars, May 14-15, as the USA won three medals overall at the International Gymnastics Federation World Cup event at the Sport Complex Olympisky in Moscow. Teammates Alex Naddour (silver; pommel horse) and Tim McNeill (bronze; parallel bars) also earned medals on their respective events.

"It's a great first step for Paul as far as establishing himself as one of the top USA gymnasts in the world as he builds up to an Olympic year," Illinois associate head coach Justin Spring said.

Aljaz Pegan of Slovenia won the gold on high bar with a 15.500, while Nikolai Kuksenkov of Ukraine tallied a 15.375 to claim silver. Ruggeri also finished in fifth place on floor exercise (14.775) and seventh on vault (15.375).

Ruggeri will be back in action in early June to compete in a camp, which will serve as a qualifier for a team event in Tokyo.