The World University Games came to a successful close on Sunday after 12 days of fierce competition with China finishing second behind Russia in the battle for the most gold medals won.

The Serbian organizers have gone through the global financial crisis and the threat of A/H1N1 flu to deliver their promise of hosting a great Games.

"I wish to thank the organizing committee, and in particular the volunteers. Without you, we could not survive," FISU president George Killian said before officially declaring the games close at a ceremony held at the Belgrade Arena.

The 25th Universiade closes in Belgrade, capital of Serbia, July 12, 2009

Killian added that these Games was full of "the spirit of respect, fair play and understanding."

The final overall medals table read Russia on 27 golds, followed by China on 22 and South Korea on 21. Japan was fourth on 20 golds but had the second largest number of medals - 73.

Acting Shenzhen Mayor Wang Rong waves the flag of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) during the closing ceremony of the 25th Universiade in Belgrade, capital of Serbia, July 12, 2009.

China, who only brought a small part of its top athletes to Belgrade, could be content with a runner-up finish in the gold medal standings after reaping 22 golds, 21 silvers and 15 bronzes. "We have performed better than what we expected," said a Chinese delegation official. "This is not our best team."

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