Team Bulgaria pose for photo at the awarding ceremony of the group all-around of rhythmic gymnastics at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
TOKYO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria snatches gold in rhythmic gymnastics group all-around at Tokyo 2020 on Sunday.
The Bulgarian team topped the competition in 92.100 points, followed by defending champion Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) in 90.700 points. Italy took bronze in 87.700 points.
The Bulgarian squad, consisting of Simona Dyankova, Stefani Kiryakova, Madlen Radukanova, Laura Traets and Erika Zafirova, finished the first in qualification and topped both rotations in the final.
In the first rotation of five balls, the Bulgarian gymnasts led the competition in a high of 38.800 points. Their scores for both difficulty and execution were unparalleled.
They managed to extend their advantage in the second rotation with a 36.200-difficulty routine in three hoops and two clubs, slightly surpassing the ROC team by a margin of 0.050 points.
The ROC gymnasts, the second qualifying team, performed the last on the arena and placed second in both rotations. They submitted an inquiry for their three hoops and two clubs and received a 0.300 addition but it was not enough to upset their Bulgarian contenders.
Russia had been dominating the group all-around event in rhythmic gymnastics, winning five consecutive Olympic gold medals.
The Chinese team finished the fourth in 84.550 points. Enditem
