China win first ever rhythmic gymnastics gold with group title

China won an Olympic rhythmic gymnastics gold for the first time on Friday when they dominated the group competition in Paris.

China led on 36.950 points from Ukraine after rotation one, which saw five gymnasts performing with five hoops.

The Chinese quintet were third in the second rotation, where the gymnasts used three ribbons and two balls, to finish on 69.800 overall.

Israel took silver, their first ever medal in the group competition, while Italy finished with bronze after Tokyo champions Bulgaria were marked down after mistakes in the first section despite topping the second rotation.

Russia or the Soviet Union had won 12 of the 17 rhythmic golds at Olympics before Paris, but there was no Russian team in Paris. Only 15 Russians are competing as neutrals in the French capital across all sports due to the war in Ukraine.

Individual gold medallist Darja Varfolomeev was not in action in the group competition after Germany flopped in qualifying.