Table-Topping China Not Carried Away

Coach doesn't expect Chinese domination despite finishing first in artistic standings

- Kimberly Kwek

Taking to the pool last at the World Aquatics Championships Arena on July 25, China delivered when it mattered most with a terracotta army-themed performance that clinched the team acrobatic title and consolidated their spot at the top of the medal standings.

Heading into the final event of the artistic swimming competition, China, Spain and Russia, whose athletes are competing under neutral status, each had three golds, all with a chance to finish first in the artistic swimming medal table.

In the end, it was the Chinese who prevailed, finishing top of the standings for the third time in four editions, with four golds and three silvers. Behind them were Russia's neutral athletes (3-3-2) and Spain (3-2-4).

However, it was a far tighter contest than the 2024 world championships in Doha, where they claimed seven golds across 11 events.

Later that year, China also swept the duet and team titles at the Paris Olympics, with powerhouses Russia absent.

Cheered on by a near-capacity crowd at the 4,800-seat venue, the Chinese scored 229.0186 points. They were followed by the neutral athletes from Russia (224.7291) and Spain (221.0962).

China head coach Zhang Xiaohuan said: "Although the Chinese team won three team gold medals, I don't believe the Chinese team possesses absolute dominance.