Athletes of Ukraine, China and Russia react on the podium at the awarding ceremony of the women's team gymnastic competition at the 24th Universiade in Bangkok, capital of Thailand, Aug. 9, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)    

BANGKOK, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Despite a string of falls from apparatus, the Chinese females gymnasts made an narrow escape to defend their Universiade team title here on Thursday.

Led by three world champions Zhang Nan, Fan Ye and Zhou Zhuoru, China was definitely the hot title favorite before the final as its strong rivals Russia, Ukraine and Romania sent their second teams to the 24th Universiade.

However, Zhang Nan, Fan Ye and Deng Ying all fell from the beam following Zhou Zhuoru's fall from the uneven bar.

Thanks to the brilliant performances by the awakening world champions on floor and vault, China regained the advantage and edged Ukraine 0.7 points to nip the gold with 174.7 points.

Ukraine took the silver and Russia finished third.

China coach Sun Ping attributed the triumph to the high start value points and admitted," We are not in good form today."