Patricia Bezzoubenko wins all around gold in rhythmic gymnastics at Commonwealth Games

GLASGOW, Scotland -- Make that two gold medals and counting for rhythmic gymnast Patricia Bezzoubenko.

A day after leading Canada to first place in the team event, Bezzoubenko came back in the individual all around on Friday to earn her second gold medal of the Commonwealth Games in a field of 16 finalists.

Bezzoubenko, the gold medal favourite going into the Games, lived up to the high expectations to finish first in three of four events for a total score of 59.175 points.

Francesca Jones of Wales won the silver with 57.350 and teammate Laura Halford took the bronze with 56.225.

“I don’t pay attention to the favourites or the score which helps me to cope with the pressure,” said Bezzoubenko, who topped the field in ball, clubs and ribbon but had to settle for fifth in the hoop event.

Canada’s top contender to win a spot at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the individual event, Bezzoubenko has her sights set on another four medals in the event finals on Saturday.

“The last routine was the hardest for me today but I’m confident I will be able to perform better tomorrow.”

Maria Kitkarska of Montreal also competed in the all around final and placed eighth.

“I feel like I did the best that I could do,” said Kitkarska, who will compete again on Saturday in three finals.

“I took it one step, one performance at a time and tomorrow is a new day, a new competition.”