BELGRADE, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Strong results in rhythmic gymnastics lifted Russia past China and South Korea on Saturday to top the World University Games medals standings.

    Following victories in the individual all-round and group events, Russia won six more titles to complete a clean sweep in rhythmic gymnastics, and increased its total of gold medals to 26 at the end of the penultimate day of the 12-day event in Belgrade.

    China, who had held the top spot for four days, was in second place on 21 golds. Japan and South Korea both had 20 golds.

    China ended the day with three golds: two in athletics and one in women's water polo.

    After Zhao Ran clocked one hour and four minutes 28 seconds to claim gold in the men's half-marathon in the morning, Yin Jing emulated Chinese compatriot Liu Xiang by winning the men's 110m hurdles final in 13.38 seconds.

    "I didn't think about the placing and results before the race because that would add pressure on myself," said the 21-year-old Yin. "I hope I could be a match for Liu Xiang in the future."

    Liu captured his first major international title at the Beijing Universiade in 2001 before he went on to win Olympic gold in Athens in 2004 and break the men's 110m hurdles world record in 2006.

    On top of that, China stunned favorites Hungary 12-8 to win the first-ever Summer Universiade women's water polo tournament.

    "We are very happy about winning the tournament and the whole performance. The gold medal will be an important event in our careers. There is no end to our joy," said Ao Gao, the leading shooter on the Chinese team.

    Russia tormented Ukraine in the rhythmic gymnastics, pushing them out of gold position all six times and reigning Olympic champion Evgeniya Kanaeva emerged as the most decorated athlete at the Games as she took five golds.

    In the last day of swimming competition, Japan and the United States each won a medley relay event, while Belarus, Italy, Russia, Germany, Poland and Canada also reached the top of the podium.

    The United States and Japan scooped 10 gold medals apiece in swimming, but the Japanese team's haul of medals stood at 30, four more than their American peers.

    The Serbian men's basketball team delighted home fans when they routed Russia 73-51 in the final, while the U.S. clinched gold after beating Russia 83-64.

    In volleyball, Russia's men's team thrashed Brazil 25-19, 25-22, 25-23 to win gold.

    The World University Games concludes Sunday with a clutch of athletics golds up for grabs, plus Australia against Croatia in the men's water polo final.

    A grand closing ceremony will wrap up the event which has seen 8,000 student athletes compete in 15 different sports.