China are rhythmic gymnastics world champions for first time as ‘absolutely perfect’ routine leaves fans raving
- Women’s team win 5 Hoops title in Valencia – before narrowly missing out on second gold medal on dramatic final day
- Fans on social media hail ‘hard work of several generations of artists’ paying off, and predict team will get ‘better and better’
Fans have hailed the China women’s team’s “historic” first gold medal at the rhythmic gymnastics world championships on Sunday.
Silver medallists in Friday’s all-around final, Guo Qiqi, Hao Ting, Wang Lanjing, Pu Yanzhu, and Ding Xinyi won the 5 Hoops title on the last day of the 40th edition of the competition, which was held in Valencia, Spain, last week.
Despite a small trajectory error on a catch, China posted a score of 36.550 points which was enough to see them top the podium ahead of the hosts, who scored 36.100.
Reserve team member Huang Zhangjiayang also collected gold with China, as Italy edged out Brazil for bronze thanks to their higher execution score, after both had posted identical overall scores of 35.850.
China’s routine, which featured traditional dance and music, had captivated the Feria Arena – as well as many fans watching back home.
“Their suits look like armour. The momentum of the music coupled with the girls’ competitive temperament gave the whole programme an invincible aura! God knows why I was crying while typing,” one user wrote on Chinese social media platform Weibo.