Russia's Yulia Barsukova clinched the rhythmic gymnastics all-round gold medal at the expense of compatriot Alina Kabaeva.

World champion Kabaeva performed badly in the second rotation of the competition of the event when her hoop span off the mat.

Her score of 9.641 was the second worst of the ten competitors and sent her into fifth place.

"I couldn't not understand what happened," said Kabaeva, who had posted a perfect score of 40.000 in competition this year. I relaxed my hand - I just didn't think I could make such an error."

Brave

The Russian bounced back in the ball and ribbon section, scoring 9.950 in both disciplines, and also achieved a good score on the rope, but she had to settle for a bronze.

Gold medallist Barsukova won with a total of 39.632 while Yulia Raskina picked up the silver with a score of 39.548.

"It's hard to believe," said Barsukova. "I really didn't expect to win the gold. I had hoped to win but I never thought it was possible. I just wanted to be in the top three."