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 The Russian group won the two final gold medals Sunday as the 2010 Rhythmic World Championships concluded in Moscow, bringing the host nation's total to eight golds. Pictured: On Saturday, Italy defeated Belarus and Russia for the group all-around title. The Russian group won both gold medals Sunday at the 2010 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships concluded in Moscow, bringing the host nation's total to eight golds.  Russia won both group exercises — with the five hoops and with the three ribbons/two ropes — a day after losing the overall title. On Saturday, the Russian group performed disastrously, dropping the apparatus three times, but still managed to win the bronze behind defending champion Italy and Belarus. In the individual competition, the Russians won the team title and all five individual golds and silvers. The group all-around was the only final the Russians did not win in Moscow, leaving Russian head coach Irina Viner furious and pointing fingers. "At the European championships, where we had the same competitors, we won three golds with the same programs we did this week," Viner said. "We suffered a drop in the program with ribbons and rope, which we've trained for six months, and two drops in the program with the hoops, which we've had for two years." Viner reportedy personally criticized the group members and their main coach, Valentina Ivanitskaya, and threatened that they all could be replaced. "We would be ashamed to lose the group all-around at the 2012 Olympic Games in London," Viner said. The Italians, however, were ectastic over their victory. "The victory last year was a real challenge: to repeat, however, is always beautiful and exciting," said Riccardo Agabio, president of the Italian federation. "To beat the Olympic champions on their home turf is extraordinary. This here is an exceptional group. They were prepared all summer to prove their worth, especially after the European Championships silver in April in Bremen, had left a bit bitter taste in their mouths. There were those predicted our defeat. Despite this, the girls were not frightened and showed their claws. Congratulations to all the athletes and coaches." Italy and picked up two more silver medals in the group finals, and Belarus one more bronze. Bulgaria, which dominated the sport of rhythmic gymnastics in the 1980s, won its only medal in Moscow with the bronze in the five hoops final. "I am extremely happy with this medal," Bulgarian coach Iliana Rayeva said. "We won it with 15, 16-years-old gymnasts who were participate for the first time at such an event, but had to compete against far more experienced rivals. The girls just performed brilliantly and flawlessly. I am very happy!" The 31st Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships will take place in Sept. 19-26, 2011 in Montpellier, France. External Link: Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation XXX Rhythmic World Championships
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