China sweeps gold and silver for the first time in gymnastics worlds

Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-06 12:45:57|Editor: Zhou Xin
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MONTREAL, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- China swept both gold and silver medal in men's all-around for the first time in the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Montreal, Canada on Thursday.

Xiao Ruoteng, who narrowly missed Rio Olympic Games due to injuries, captured the crown with a total of 86.933 points.

"It indeed was very breathtaking, especially in the world championships. But I told myself just keep firmly believing in myself," said Xiao who contributed his first world title to his parents, coaches and supporters.

His teammate Lin Chaopan edged off Japanese Olympic champion Shirai Kenzo by 0.017 points to take silver.

Based on brilliant performances from Xiao and Lin, China will be quite threatening in next year's world team championships.

"It's quite difficult to win men's all-around gold. Because it requires more events to compete and more talented competitors to win," said Chinese team manager Ye Zhennan.

Japanese two-time Olympic and six-time world all-round champion Kohei Uchimura was forced to abandon his quest for a seventh consecutive world title during qualification Monday evening after injuring his left ankle.

The 2017 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships is being held from October 2 to 8.

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