Russia topped the first rotation of rhythmic gymnastics team contest with 14.800 points Thursday at the ongoing 23rd World Universiade while Ukraine suffered a flub to be placed third, behind Japan.

Ukraine, whose gymnasts ruled on the mat of the individual all-around first two rotations earlier on Thursday by grabbing the top two positions, was hit by a major error in the five-ribbon event. Two of the Ukrainian players had their ribbons tied together and their performance was thus briefly interrupted.

Japan, which finished at 13.075 points, enjoyed a lead over Ukraine, which only scored 12.450.

China, of the seven teams registered for the team contest, retreated from Thursday's event as one of its gymnasts was injured during practice training. The team disclosed no details about the injury.

Among the other three teams, Portugal earned 11.900 points, Estonia scored 11.050 while the host Turkey got 10.950.

Another rotation of group contest (3 hoops + 2 clubs) is scheduled on Friday for the group multiple team title, while the other two team titles of five-ribbons, and three hoops and two clubs, will be decided on Saturday, one day before the closing of the World University Games.

Source: Xinhua