Team Bulgaria competes during the All-Around competition at the 39th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, Sept. 16, 2022. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)
SOFIA, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo Olympic champions Bulgaria claimed the group all-around gold at the 39th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships here on Friday evening.
The hosts' relatively untested new group gained 66.600 points for the title in their debut at a world championship, followed by Israel with 64.650 and Spain on 63.200.
Besides the medals, the three groups also qualify directly for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Vesela Dimitrova, head coach of Bulgaria's group, said she was "extremely happy". "They fought to the end and they succeeded," Dimitrova said.
China gained 60.000 points and took seventh place.
The competitions at the rhythmic worlds continues Saturday with the individual all-around final, featuring 18 best gymnasts from the qualifications including China's Zhao Yating. ■
Team China competes during the All-Around competition at the 39th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, Sept. 16, 2022. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)
Team Israel competes during the All-Around competition at the 39th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, Sept. 16, 2022. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)
Silver medalists team Israel (L), gold medalists team Bulgaria (C) and bronze medalists team Spain pose for photos during the awarding ceremony of the All-Around event at the 39th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, Sept. 16, 2022. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)
Silver medalists team Israel (L), gold medalists team Bulgaria (C) and bronze medalists team Spain pose for photo after the All-Around competition at the 39th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, Sept. 16, 2022. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)
