China wins 5 balls title at Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Sofia

SOFIA, March 31 (Xinhua) -- China won the five balls title at the first leg of the 2026 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup series on Monday.

China scored 27.250 points to take gold. Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) finished second with 27.200 points, followed by Uzbekistan with 25.350.

AIN won the titles in three hoops and two clubs, and in the group all-around.

Also on Monday, Taisiia Onofriichuk of Ukraine won the individual all-around, hoop, ball and ribbon events, while Bulgaria's Eva Brezalieva won the clubs title.

The three-day competition in Sofia featured 89 gymnasts in individual events and 22 teams in group events.

The upcoming World Cups will be held in Tashkent, Baku and Milan as part of the qualification process for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.