Global Cup 2012: Canada still leads, superpowers in pursuit
April was a busy sporting month for the Global Cup 2012, with most of the world’s best nations at sport earning valuable GSN points.
Canada confirmed its leadership in the overall Global Cup, a remarkable feat as only the USA have so far been able to lead the ranking in two or more consecutive months. With convincing placements in the Figure Skating, Curling, Women Ice Hockey (where they won gold in an exciting overtime final vs the USA) and Track Cycling World Championships, the Canadians have retained a 25 points lead over the USA.
Behind the North Americans, the other sporting superpowers are catching up: the overall aggregate ranking sees Germany, China and Russia in third to fifth place. China, despite picking up very few points in the month, are + 10 places vs last year. Among the most improved countries we find South Korea (7th place, + 8 vs last year) and the Netherlands (8th place, + 8 vs last year). Norway is among the negative surprises, 17th and down 13 places vs the same time last year.
With regards to the main tournaments in the month of April:
- Track Cycling World Championships in Melbourne (Australia): the hosts managed a 148 vs 132 points win over traditional rivals Great Britain. New Zealand in thirds place picked up only 61 points.
- Figure Skating World Championships: it was a closely fought affair between Japan in first, Canada in second and Russia in third place. Japan did not win any gold, but its consistent string of placements gave them the edge over the Canadians’ two golds.
Finally, another mention for Canada: they are currently leading the Winter Sports ranking with a relatively slim edge (117 points) over the USA. The decider will be the Men Ice Hockey World Championships to be held in May, and Olympic gold medallist Canada is surely the favourite.
