Clan-Members » Russia remains on top, though the gap may finally be clo

RIO DE JANEIRO -- A botched ribbon toss -- a miscue that ended with one of Russias streamers briefly laying on the Rio Olympic Arena floor -- put the overwhelming favorites in the rhythmic gymnastics group final in an unfamiliar spot after the first of two rotations on Sunday.There the Russians were in third place behind Spain and Bulgaria. Rather than panic, Russia went the other way.It just boosted us, Anastasiia Tatareva said. It forced us to pull ourselves together and do the best and not to give any chance to our opponents.There usually never is when Russia is on its game. The five-woman team responded with a brilliant finish during the second rotation -- an intricate set of dancing and gymnastics that included tossing clubs and hoops with precision that would look right at home in Cirque Du Soleil -- to claim a fifth straight Olympic gold.Russias two-round total of 36.233 was good enough to survive a serious scare from Spain, which returned to the podium for the first time since 1996 with a silver. Spain led qualifying on Saturday and was on top again after ribbons, though the Russians believe Spains lead had as much to do with their own rare mistake.There was a little hiccup, Tatareva said. But then everything went smoothly and we put everything together and finished well.Spain, which won the first Olympic gold awarded in the sport when it was introduced in Atlanta in 1996, was hardly complaining about the outcome. Four years ago the Spanish were a close fourth. A medal of any color would have been fine, though even they were taken aback when they found themselves on top of the leaderboard during qualifying.Yesterday came as a surprise to us, Alejandra Quereda said. Of course we worked toward a medal but we didnt expect things to happen like that. For us, a silver medal tastes like gold to us.It also raised the stakes heading toward Tokyo. Russia remains on top, though the gap may finally be closing.Nobody is undefeatable, Quereda said. We could see that yesterday. Yes, Russia is strong in rhythmic gymnastics but were getting there. Joel Matip Jersey . Tuesdays surgery at Atlantas Piedmont Hospital was performed by Dr. Xavier Duralde and Hawks team physician Dr. Michael Bernot. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Jersey . -- An ugly goal by Nick Bonino helped the Anaheim Ducks overcome the defensive-minded Phoenix Coyotes on a night when their ragged power play continued to struggle. http://www.liverpoolgear.us/Authentic-Kamil-Grabara-Liverpool-Jersey/ . -- Adam Snyder returned to the San Francisco 49ers this season because the offensive lineman thought it was his best opportunity to win a championship. Rhian Brewster Liverpool Jersey . Once again, DeLaet finished tied for second at a PGA Tour stop on the weekend, this time at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The pride of Weyburn, Sask. Sadio Mane Liverpool Jersey .Y. -- Canadas Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse have another World Cup gold medal after winning the two-women bobsled race on Saturday in Lake Placid, N. The Philadelphia Phillies will finish fourth in the National League East following a season where the Phils up-and-coming players saw considerable time in the lineup.?So who has been their MVP this year: Cesar Hernandez, Odubel Herrera,?or Jeremy Hellickson? Cast your vote in the poll beelow (stats entering Friday).dddddddddddd.The Phillies wrap up the regular season with a series against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park this weekend. ' ' '