Chen proved that his world championships win was not a fluke when he grabbed the gold of the rings in a score of 16.575 points.

Chen showed superior control in his routine, with steadiness on the apparatus not seen in other competitors, which is an important factor to achieve maximum scores on the rings, demanding high on strength.

Yang, who scored 16.300 points in qualification, was the only rival for Chen (the top qualifier with 16.600). Yang overcame his dismal fall from the horse just 30 minutes ago to stun the spectators with an impressive routine on rings to pick up the same mark as his teammate Chen and piled up his third gold medals here in additional to team and all-around.

Timur Kurbanbayev from Kazakhstan was third with 16.300 points.

"Today I felt very relaxed. I got a cold and coughed for the latest days, but it did not affect my performance much. I am satisfied with my score and my routine," Chen said, following a fit of coughs.

"My only rival here is Yang Wei, but the shared gold is the best result for both of us," Chen added.

"The winter training is coming and I next have to face the hard training. Hopefully I will have good form for next year's international events," Chen said.

Chen was a surprise winner at the 2006 world championships in October, overwhelming renowned apparatus specialist Jordan Jovtchev from Bulgaria, who took a step after his difficult routine to settle with a silver, which allowed Chen the first world title.

Yang finished fourth in the world championships final this year, missing the bronze by 0.025 points.

"I made a mistake on pommel horse, then I won on rings. That's is the competition, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose," commented Yang, the triple world champion at Aarhus gymnastics worlds.

"I hope I can get some rest after the Games, but it depends on the arrangement of team," Yang said.