Russia, USA to battle hosts China for women's gymnastic team title

Alexandra Raisman

Nanning (China), Oct 3 (IANS)

China, the US and Russia are ready to compete for the women's team title at the 45th World Artistic Gymnastic Championships that started on Friday.

China's potentially high scores on uneven bars and balance beam could position them for at least a repeat of their bronze at the 2011 world championships, reports Xinhua.

The US team looks confident of winning their second consecutive team title in the women's competition that begins Sunday.

"I think we have strengths on all four events, that really helps. So I think we'll go out there and do great," American star gymnast Simone Biles said.

The majority of the US team is new to the world event. Martha Karolyi, US National Team Coordinator, said that it will bring both experience and new energy to the team.

Russia will count on veteran Aliya Mustafina to stabilise the otherwise relatively untested Russian team as they attempt to regain the title they won in 2010.

Russia finished second to the US at the 2011 world championships and 2012 Olympic Games and no team competition took place at the 2013 world championships.

It is believed that Romania and Britain are also capable of striving for spots on the medal podium.

Romania won team gold at this year's European championships. Britain surprised Russia at the 2014 European championships, earning silver to Russia's bronze.