Four-time World Championships medallist Stiliana Nikolova of Bulgaria topped the charts in the ball qualifiers ©Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation

Bulgaria dominated the ball and hoop qualifiers at the 2023 European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships here today.

In the ball qualifiers, four-time World Championships medallist Stiliana Nikolova of Bulgaria topped the charts with a score of 34.600 while compatriot Boryana Kaleyn finished third with 33.250.

Finishing in between the Bulgarians in second spot was clubs world champion Darja Varfolomeev of Germany.

She managed to score 33.650.

Reigning all-around world champion Sofia Raffaeli of Italy also made it to the final, with a score of 33.000.

For the hosts, Zohra Aghamirova made the cut with a total of 32.550.

Viktoriia Onopriienko of Ukraine topped the hoop qualifiers with 33.650 points ©Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation
Viktoriia Onopriienko of Ukraine topped the hoop qualifiers with 33.650 points ©Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation

Fanni Pigniczki of Hungary, Panagiota Lytra of Greece and Viktoriia Onopriienko of Ukraine also made it to the final.

Onopriienko topped the hoop qualifiers with 33.650 points.

World championships silver medallist Kaleyn and Nikolova will also battle for the hoop medals after finishing second and third with 33.450 and 32.850 points, respectively.

Birmingham 2022 World Games bronze medallist Pigniczki did better in the hoop event, managing 32.250 points.

Aghamirova, Raffaeli, Polina Berezina of Spain and Adi Asya Katz of Israel also ensured qualification.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow with clubs and ribbon qualifiers.