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Russia Pulls Off Surprise Win Of Silver In Men's Gymnastics; Japan Takes Gold


Russia returned to the podium for the first time since 2000 to take the silver medal in the Rio Olympics men's gymnastics team competition, while Japan took the gold medal on August 8.

Russia's win was a surprise, all the more because it bested China's formidable men's team, which has dominated by taking gold in the previous two Olympic competitions.

A devastated Chinese team held their heads in their hands after they had to settle for bronze in the Rio Olympic Arena.

For Japan, it was a much-savored victory for Kohei Uchimura, the reigning Olympic all-round champion, who led the nation's world champion team as it toppled both China and Russia.

The six-time world champion has said for years an Olympic gold for his homeland is the only medal that matters to him.

Japan's team reclaimed the title it last won in 2004, scoring 274.094 after the six rotations, with Russia at 271.453 and China at 271.122.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters

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