STORE 
MY BEACH SOCCER 
Lokomotiv Moscow finally seized the victory in the decisive match of the sixth edition of the Russian National Championship, in which they took the best advantage from the penalty shootout (1-0)after their dramatic 2-2 draw against defending Champions Strogino. The Black Sea seaside resort of Anapa, where the tournament was held from September 23rd to October 3rd, witnessed a final between two sides from the capital for the first time, and although Strogino was absolutely more experienced in finals than rookies Lokomotiv (they have been in the last five, and won the last two), the railroaders ended up with the cup at their hands thanks to a wiser aim from the 9 meter spot.
Lokomotiv’s backbone is shaped by top National players such as Russian captain Leonov, Shkarin, Shaykov or Makarov, among others, together with top foreign players such as the Swiss star Dejan Stankovic and the Ukranian Vitaly Sidorenko. On the other hand, though, Strogino counted on the skill of great players such as Brazilian Bruno.
The Russian Championship is considered one of the most competitive National competitions, due to the level of its players, many of them International footballers from all over the world, and the strength of the teams involved. In this occasion, up to 16 teams took part in the competition, divided into four groups.
Right after Lokomotiv and Strogino in the top places, Golden St. Petersburg and Delta, from Saratov, ended in the third and fourth position respectively, after a terrific group stage in which they lost no matches. But, unhappily for them Lokomotiv and Strogino cut in front of them to slam the final’s door.
Championship individual awards:
Top scorer: Shaykov (Lokomotiv) (12 goals)
Best goalkeeper: Olenin (Strogino)
Best player: Mozgovoy (Delta)
Fair play award: Strogino
