By Daniel Etchells

Bulgaria won its first world all-around gold medal in group competition in 18 years ©Getty ImagesBulgaria's women upset the odds to win the all-around final at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in İzmir, and in doing so claimed the nation's first world all-around gold medal in group competition in 18 years.

The team of Reneta Kamberova, Mihaela Maevska-Velichkova, Tsvetelina Naydenova, Tsvetelina Stoyanova and Hristiana Todorova performed two flawless-looking exercises with the five clubs and three balls and two ribbons, scoring 17.133 with the clubs and 17.316 with the balls and ribbons for a grand total of 34.449 to also qualify for tomorrow's event finals.

"We're in shock at the moment," said Todorova.

"We never thought that we could win the all-around gold medal.

"I've trained 15 years for this moment, and today it finally happened."

Italy, all-around champions in 2011, secured the silver medal after scoring 34.282 overall, while last year's champions Belarus sneaked onto the podium with 34.133, despite a missed catch with the clubs during their first routine of the day.

Marta Pagnini helped Italy to secure a silver medal ©Getty ImagesMarta Pagnini helped Italy to secure a silver medal ©Getty Images



"This year was very different and very difficult because many teams have improved their level," said Italian veteran Marta Pagnini helped Italy to secure a silver medal ©Getty Images.

"We've worked very, very hard to keep the level high and reach the podium.

"Our team has several younger members but they controlled their emotions."

Russia, favourites for the title in Turkey, led after their first routine with the balls and ribbons but fell apart with the clubs to finish on 33.949.

The world group all-around competition is the first step towards qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The top 24 teams automatically qualify for the 2015 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, where the top 10 teams will earn a place at the Olympics.

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