Belarus' Hancharou dethrones Dong in trampoline

Rio de Janeiro : Belarus' Uladzislau Hancharou shocked reigning Olympic champion Dong Dong of China to snatch men's trampoline gymnastics gold in Rio on Saturday.

A sporting Dong gave his rival's performance the thumbs up despite it ending his bid to become the first man to win back-to-back titles.

"I feel very proud and satisfied with my performance today. My rivals are all excellent and performed well," said Dong who completed his medal collection adding to his gold in 2012 and bronze in 2008.

"I thought, 'I've been to three Olympic Games, and I have now collected all three medals. I'm super happy about that."

The three-time world champion -- 2009, 2010, 2013 -- had to settle for silver with China's reigning world champion Gao Li dumped into bronze in the Rio Olympic Arena.

Hancharou scored 61.745 points for his gravity-defying aerial acrobatics to take a first medal for Belarus in the event which made its Olympic debut in Sydney 2000.

It was also his country's first gold at the Rio Olympics.

The 20-year-old's performance even impressed Dong, 27, who had earlier scored 60.535, and watched every twist and turn of his rival in the air in awe.

Hancharou punched the air in delight after his performance.

"It was an explosion of feelings," he said after upgrading from his bronze at the 2014 worlds and silver a year later.

China had been favourites having won the last two titles with 24-year-old Gao leading the morning qualifiers ahead of Hancharou with Dong third. Gao scored 60.175.

"I wasn't quite satisfied with what I did. However, this is my first time (competing at the Olympic Games) so it's OK," Gao said.

"It means a lot because my father was a gymnastics coach. He expects me to be a great athlete.

"I think he will be satisfied with my performance in the Olympic Games."

Russia's Dmitry Ushakov, a silver medallist in London 2012, finished fifth.

Canada's Rosie MacLennan became the first trampoline gymnast to win back-to-back Olympic titles by winning women's gold on Friday.