China clinch team free routine title at World Aquatics Championships

China delivered a flawless performance in the artistic swimming team free routine at the World Aquatics Championships, earning them top spot on the podium on Sunday.

Team China perform during the team free final of artistic swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, July 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)

China's eight-strong team scored 348.4779 points in the final with their performance, themed "Gravitation", after having earned 338.2167 in the preliminary round, outshining competitors including Spain and Japan.

It marked China's second gold medal in artistic swimming at this tournament, following Xu Huiyan's historic triumph in the women's solo technical event on Saturday.

"In terms of our strategic approach under the new rules, I believe we were successful," said China head coach Zhang Xiaohuan. "Although we had to make two substitutions before the tournament, the result shows the resilience of the team and the excellence of our athletes."

The result further underlined China's depth and consistency in artistic swimming, which has steadily grown into a global powerhouse over the past decade. Chinese swimmers have frequently stood atop the podium in recent international competitions.

Japan took silver with a score of 334.7232, while Spain secured bronze with 321.1328.

Team China (C) pose during the awarding ceremony for the team free final of artistic swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, July 20, 2025. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

Artistic swimming events at the World Aquatics Championships will continue through July 25, with China also expected to contend for medals in the solo, duet, mixed duet and team events.

Earlier on Sunday, China's men's water polo team fell short against Australia, losing 16-9 in the classification match to finish 14th overall at the tournament.

On the final day of open water swimming, Germany claimed the title in the mixed 4x1500m relay, while China finished ninth.