China won the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around title in Paris on Saturday. GETTY IMAGES

China won the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around final on Saturday at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena with a final score of 69.800. Israel took silver with just the smallest of margins at 68.850 points, while Italy landed another bronze medal in the sport with 68.100.

China’s team of Ding Xinyi, Guo Qiqi, Hao Ting, Huang Zhangjiayang and Wang Lanjing topped the table after the first rotation of five hoops. The group moved in perfect synchrony, a flurry of glittering black and gold to a medley that included “Loki's Ire” and “Can't Help Falling In Love” which landed them a score of 36.950. 



Ukraine’s mesmerising routine that was set to Georges Bizet’s Carmen gave them the second-highest score in rotation one. Italy wowed the crowd with a “molto vivace” routine in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 for the third.

Defending champions Bulgaria dropped a hoop during the first rotation, but scored the highest in rotation two, which involved three ribbons and two balls, with a 33.700. 2023 World All-Around champions Israel had the second-highest score after the champions with 33.250. 

China scored a 32.850 in the second rotation, the ribbon and ball routine set to traditional Chinese string music. While it was the third-highest, it was enough to earn them the first-ever rhythmic group title for China.