Bulgaria end ROC dominance in rhythmic gymnastics by clinching first gold

Bulgaria are now new Olympic champions after giving two flawless performances in the rhythmic gymnastics group-all around finals today at Ariake Gymnastics Centre.

Their ball routine topped the scoreboard followed up by their stunning 3 Hoops + 2 Pairs Of Clubs exercise which earned them a combined score of 92.100.

The quintet - Simona Dyankova, Stefani Kiryakova, Madlen Radukanova, Laura Tratets, Erika Zafirova - have delivered Bulgaria's first ever-gold in rhythmic gymnastics toppling pre-favourites ROC.

ROC, who hold five consecutive Olympic gold medals between 2000 to 2016, trailed behind the new champions by 1.4 points (90.700 final score), and now settled for silver.

Meanwhile, Italy have won bronze - their third Olympic medal in rhythmic gymnastics after clinching silver at Athens 2004, and bronze at London 2012.