Russian players turn in a splendid performance in the rhythmic gymnastics final on Sunday. [Xinhua]

Defending Olympic champion Russia claimed the rhythmic gymnastics group title at the Beijing Olympics on Sunday.

Russia won the title, its third consecutive Olympic rhythmic group title, with a total of 35.550 points.

Host China won the silver, its first Olympic rhythmic gymnastics medal, in 35.225.

Belarus settled for bronze in 34.900.

Italy, the silver medallist in Athens in 2004, was fourth.

In a largely flawless competition, all eight teams presented superb work, but the Russians underlined their super with higher difficulty value and execution.

"The silver medal is unexpected. We are so happy that we made the breakthrough for Chinese rhythmic gymnastics," said Zhang Shuo of the Chinese team.

"It's not easy because we have come a long way to be here. We will make efforts for better results," said Zhang.

"I really, really feel upset. We didn't live up to our expectations," said Elisa Santoni of Italy.

"My teammates and I are very satisfied with our performance today. After the (scoring) inquiry in our first routine, we felt even more confident for our second routine," she said.

Each group, consisting of five gymnasts, performed two routines, the first with five ropes and the second with three hoops and two clubs.

The scores of both routines are combined to determine the group total.

The top eight groups from qualifications competed in the final on Sunday.