The World Games gold medallist banished the demons of failing to qualify for the final at the 2016 World Championships in Incheon with a superb display at the Multiusos de Guimarães.

Kitazume's performance yielded a score of 21.550, a full 0.4000 ahead of Bulgarian Darina Pashova.

The Bulgarian youngster, making her first appearance at the Senior World Championships, scored 21.150.

Anastasiia Ziubina of Russia was a further 0.050 adrift in third place.

The top eight gymnasts progressed to the final, due to be held tomorrow.

Ziubina also contributed to the Russia finishing top of the trio qualification standings.

She partnered Ekaterina Pykhtova and Elena Ivanova to a score of 22.016 as they edged the Chinese trio of Xi Yuefeng, Tao Xu and Wang Haoyu.

Vietnam, represented by Nguyen Viet Anh, Vuong Hoai An and Tran Ngoc Thuy Vi, were third.

Defending dance champions South Korea finished first in qualification on 18.250, with China second on 17.950 - the same score recorded by the third-placed team from Russia.

China, silver medallists at the 2016 edition of the event in the South Korean city, topped the standings in the step qualifying with a score of 17.850.

Russia were second having managed a total of 17.600, while Ukraine qualified in third.

The first set of finals are due to take place tomorrow.