Russia wins third straight rhythmic gold

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Evgeniya Kanaeva became the third straight Russian winner of the Olympic all-around rhythmic gymnastics gold medal Saturday.

Kanaeva totaled 75.5 points in her four routines involving ropes, hoops, clubs and ribbons. Inna Zhukova of Belarus was a distant second with 71.925 points. The bronze medal went to Anna Bessonova of Ukraine with 71.875.

Olga Kapranova of Russia, who was third beginning the finals, struggled with her clubs routine and dropped to fourth.

Alina Kabayeva won this event for Russia in Athens and Yuliya Barsukova took the gold in Sydney.

Belarus had the lead through two days in the team competition. The team gold medal will be awarded Sunday.