**Dalian, China** – Hosts China made a strong start to the 2024 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships on Wednesday, with Zhai Baili and Wan Shenmeng claiming gold in the men’s and women’s all-around competitions respectively.
Zhai, 22, produced a near-flawless performance to finish with a total of 87.532 points, ahead of Japan’s Daiki Hashimoto (86.799) and Wataru Tanigawa (86.565).
The Chinese gymnast was particularly impressive on the floor, where he scored 15.400 points, and on the vault, where he received a 15.233.
Wan, 18, also delivered a dominant display to win the women’s all-around title with a score of 83.032 points. She was followed by American Shilese Jones (81.732) and compatriot Ou Yushan (80.865).
Wan was particularly strong on the uneven bars, where she scored 15.100 points, and on the balance beam, where she received a 14.566.
China’s success continued in the men’s team final, where they claimed gold ahead of Japan and the United States. The Chinese team, consisting of Zhai, Tan Yawen, Su Yiming, Zhang Boheng, and Shi Cong, finished with a total score of 271.696 points, well ahead of Japan’s 266.810 and the United States’ 265.764.
In the women’s team final, the United States claimed gold ahead of China and Japan. The American team, consisting of Jones, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Leanne Wong, and Kayla DiCello, finished with a total score of 171.964 points, ahead of China’s 170.195 and Japan’s 169.394.
The 2024 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships continue on Thursday with the men’s and women’s individual apparatus finals..
