China upstaged the United States team to surge to their first gymnastics women's team title at the Olympics this morning.
A dramatic fall by Cheng Fei from the balance beam did not stop China from eclipsing the world champions by 2.375 points, while 2004 champions Romania settled for bronze.
The US had entered the final with only four fit gymnasts and major errors on the balance beam and floor exercise put them out of the running for the top prize.
China's triumph meant the hosts maintained their 100 per cent success rate in the gymnastics competition as their male counterparts had struck gold yesterday.
