Under terrific pressure to win the gold medal on their home stage, the Chinese men's gymnastics team recovered from a rocky start to claim the top prize.
The US team, hobbled by the missing Hamm brothers who had to withdraw with injuries, took the early lead but faltered on the pommel horse. The Chinese men had to finish the event on their weakest apparatus, the high bar, but they cannily planned their routines to avoid risky releases and scored points for strength and agile hand switches. Team China's performance on the parallel bars and still rings was spectacular.
Yang Wei (above), at 28 the anchor of the team, won the unbridled enthusiasm of the crowd. Whenever his teammates faltered, Yang Wei was able to pull out that extra dimension of power and control to erase any deficits. My own Wei was all keyed up throughout the event and very excited when China finally clinched it.
China also took the gold in Men's Synchronized Platform Diving with Liu Yue and Huo Liang running up some awe-inspiring scores.
Above, the divers show off their medals.
Adding to China's lustre, an unexpected gold in Men's Sabre was taken by Zhong Man (above).
UPDATE: The women have added still more gold to China's treasure chest: duo divers Chen Roulin and Wang Xin (above).
In the current medal count, the USA leads...but China has more gold.