Liukin pulled the US into the lead in the uneven bars with less than a point separating the Americans, Chinese and third-placed Romania.

And the Chinese surged ahead after Zhang, 20, and Pang, 18, went 1-2 on the beam when Memmel slipped, with China taking a 0.875-point lead into the final round on floor.

There their only error was a minor one by Zhang on a dance element.

Taking to the floor last the Americans could not afford to slip-up only for Bieger to step out of limits.

Cheng took top marks of the floor (15.650) ahead of Memmel and Pang and it was enough to seal victory.

"Team spirit is an important factor here," said Cheng.

"I'm satisfied with the Chinese team performance but especially the way we fought to the end."

The Chinese had lined out with six athletes Zhou, Zhang, Cheng, Pang, He Ning and Li Ya. Li did not however compete on any of the apparatus.

Meanwhile, Memmel could be in danger of losing her all-around title.

The 18-year-old had been uncertain to compete after suffering an ankle injury last week but looked to have come back strong by leading qualifiers.

"I guess I was just a little bit off today. On the beam I had a few wobbles and I was disappointed with the bars but I came back strong on the floor and I was really happy with that," said Memmel.

The competition continues Thursday with the men's and women's all-around finals where Japan's Hiroyuki Tomita and Memmel will be defending their respective titles.

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