China sweeps gold and silver for the first time in gymnastics worlds

Chinese gymnasts Xiao Ruoteng (C), Lin Chaopan (R) and Japanese gymnast Shirai Kenzo pose for photos before the awards ceremony in the men's all-around at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Montreal, Canada on Thursday, October 5, 2017. China swept both gold and silver medals for the first time in the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

China swept both gold and silver medal in men's all-around for the first time in the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Montreal, Canada on Thursday.

Xiao Ruoteng, who narrowly missed Rio Olympic Games due to injuries, captured the crown with a total of 86.933 points. 

Chinese gymnast Xiao Ruoteng competes in parallel bars competition in men's all-around at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Montreal, Canada on Thursday, October 5, 2017. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

"It indeed was very breathtaking, especially in the world championships. But I told myself just keep firmly believing in myself," said Xiao who contributed his first world title to his parents, coaches and supporters.

His teammate Lin Chaopan edged off Japanese Olympic champion Shirai Kenzo by 0.017 points to take silver.

Chinese gymnasts Xiao Ruoteng (C), Lin Chaopan (L) and Japanese gymnast Shirai Kenzo pose for photos during the awards ceremony in the men's all-around at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Montreal, Canada on Thursday, October 5, 2017. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

Based on brilliant performances from Xiao and Lin, China will be quite threatening in next year's world team championships.

"It's quite difficult to win men's all-around gold. Because it requires more events to compete and more talented competitors to win," said Chinese team manager Ye Zhennan.

Chinese gymnast Xiao Ruoteng competes in parallel bars competition in men's all-around at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Montreal, Canada on Thursday, October 5, 2017. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

Japanese two-time Olympic and six-time world all-round champion Kohei Uchimura was forced to abandon his quest for a seventh consecutive world title during qualification Monday evening after injuring his left ankle. 

The 2017 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships is being held from October 2 to 8.