By Favourites the United States blew away the field to win Olympic gold in the women’s gymnastics team event as Great Britain finished fifth.
Led by overwhelming all-around favourite Simone Biles, the USA scored 184.897 to retain their crown and win a fifth successive global title.
Russia claimed silver with 176.688, ahead of bronze medallists China (176.003) and Japan (174.371).
The US were the hot favourites in Rio after winning the past three world crowns – in 2011, 2014 and 2015 – in addition to their success in London four years ago.
And the quintet of 19-year-old Biles, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian and Laurie Hernandez showed why by producing a dominant display from the very start.
Biles, who has dominated the sport since making her senior debut in 2013, is trying to become the first gymnast to win five medals at a single Olympic Games.
So it was fitting that the 4ft 9in gymnast sealed her nation’s victory with an almost flawless floor performance to close the event.
The US are the first women’s team to win back-to-back Olympic golds since Romania in 2000 and 2004.
