Russia run-away leader on Universiade medal table

KAZAN, Russia -?Host Russia consolidated its leading position on Universiade medal table, winning 12 more gold medals on the second matchday of Kazan Universiade on Monday.

Russia fielded the largest delegation of the Kazan Universiade and take part in all the 27 sports being contested. And after the first two days' competitions, it seems that Russian athletes are serious contenders in all the 27 sports.

In Monday's golden haul, Russia swept the two synchronized swimming golds, winning two athletics titles (women's discus throw and women's long jump), taking three rowing victories, grabbing two more belt wrestling titles and claiming one gold apiece in gymnastics, diving and fencing.

Now Russia has to its credit 19 gold, 9 silver and 15 bronze medals to top the medal table. South Korea is a distant second with five gold and one bronze.

Contrary to Russia's overwhelming victory, China had a tough day Monday, managing to win two more gold medals to make it 4 in total, one from fencing and the other from diving.

China won a all-time high 75 gold medals two years ago in Shenzhen, South China. The record is most likely to be broken by Russia in Kazan.

Apart from 13 compulsory sports of Universiade, organizers added 14 optional sports to the program of Kazan Universiade and Russia enjoys great advantage in most of them. Besides, Russia also has the biggest delegation which is led by more than 20 Olympic champions.

China also sent four of its Olympic champions to Kazan Universiade, but more top-class Chinese athletes choose to stay at home preparing for China's National Games to be held in September.

Japan also has four gold medals, but had to settle for the fourth place as it won one less silver medal than China.

There will be 30 gold medals for grab on Tuesday and Russia is hopefully to keep the momentum and further enlarge the gap between itself and the second group.