Karl Eldrew Yulo competes in the floor exercise during the qualifications Thursday (Nov. 20, 2025) night in the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Newport World Resorts in Pasay City. He placed second with 14.233 points to advance in the final on Saturday. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)
China delivered a commanding performance to capture its first men’s team title at the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, held Thursday night at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. Powered by standout routines from Yang Lanbin, Wang Chengcheng, and Zheng Ao, the Chinese squad posted a winning total of 163.095 points to outduel perennial rivals Japan and the United States.
Japan, last year’s champion, settled for silver with 162.429 points, while the USA claimed bronze with 162.329—both teams pushing China until the final rotation.
Wang, coming off a grueling stretch after China’s National Games just a week prior, said the team drew strength from their commitment to their country and to one another. Japan’s charge was led by captain Ojima Nao, Yasui Eijun, and Kakutani Taiki, with Ojima overcoming early nerves to qualify for the parallel bars final.
The night also proved promising for the host nation. Filipino junior star Karl Eldrew Yulo punched his ticket to four finals—floor, vault, horizontal bar, and all-around—continuing the legacy of his brother, Paris Olympic double-gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo.
Yulo impressed early, placing second in floor exercise qualifications with 14.233 points, trailing only Russia’s Arsenii Dukhno. He also ranked fifth in vault, sixth on horizontal bar, and 15th in all-around.
He said his advancement is just the beginning. His goal now: keeping his composure and delivering at peak level on finals day.
The women’s qualification rounds and team ranking events were set to unfold on Friday, adding more anticipation to a high-energy week of world-class junior gymnastics in Manila.