China's men's gymnastic team celebrates the gold medal in the team all-around competition at the 40th World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Stuttgart September 6, 2007. [Photo Xinhua]
Reigning champions China beat Japan to defend the men's team title at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships on Thursday.
The expected close showdown turned out to be a lopsided competition in which China led Japan from start to end, accumulating 281.900 points for the gold medal.
Japan were left a far second in 277.025 and the bronze medal went to hosts Germany in 273.525, who delivered performance just as strong as in the qualifications once more to the home crowd ovation.
The first two ranks were fought out between the two Asian powers although South Koreans and Romanians finished the first two rotations in leading positions.
China started solid on floor where Zou Kai had slight insecurity in the execution but overall got through his difficult routine well (15.700).
Chinese led Japan by 0.425 points after the first apparatus and built up their advantage on pommel horse. Pommel horse expert Xiao Qin had a real world class performance, receiving an amazing 16.225.
It seemed that the title was already beyond Japan's reach midway when China scored a total of 47.525 points on rings and were 4.4 points ahead overall. Chen Yibin impressed with a well-executed layout and his 16.450 was the highest on the apparatus.
The Japanese side were a shock seventh after under-par performance on rings. Although they battled through vaulting back to second place, their mishap was aggravated with Hisashi Muzutori staggering in his landing.
Before the final rotation of high bar, China had extended the edge to 6.1 points over Japan. Although Japanese high bar specialists concluded their presentation with dazzling turns and somersaults, it was just too late for them to stage a comeback miracle.
