Bulgaria competes in the group all-around event at the 39th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, Sept. 16, 2022. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)
Bulgaria won the group all-around title at the 39th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships.
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.
Silver medalists Israel (L), gold medalists Bulgaria (C) and bronze medalists Spain pose for photo after the group all-around competition at the 39th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, Sept. 16, 2022. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)
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. ■
