Svetlana Kolesnichenko led qualification in the women's solo technical competition ©Getty Images

Russia’s Svetlana Kolesnichenko topped qualification for the women’s technical synchronised swimming event as the International Swimming Federation (FINA) World Aquatics Championships began in Budapest.

The 23-year-old, who has won 11 world titles in her career to date, topped the standings by scoring 94.0229 points.

Kolesnichenko, a gold medallist in the team event at the Rio 2016 Olympics, was followed by Spain’s Ona Carbonell who scored 92.3893.

The top three was rounded off by Japan’s Yukiko Inui, as she ended with a tally of 90.8837.

The final is due to take place tomorrow.

Duet technical competition is poised to begin later today in the Varosliget Park.

The women’s 1 metre springboard competition got diving competition underway, with the top 12 qualifying for tomorrow’s final.

Australia’s Maddison Keeney topped the standings by scoring 283.80, with China’s Yiwen Chen and Malaysia’s Jun Hoong Cheong rounding off the top three with 277.20 and 272.75 respectively.

China’s Peng Jianfeng qualified in first place in the men’s competition, as he scored a total of 435.15.

He Chao of China and Italy’s Giovanni Tocci achieved the next highest marks in qualifying, managing totals of 431.35 and 410.60.

Prior to competition getting underway, FINA President Julio Maglione expressed his satisfaction at the competition venues.

“The entire FINA Family is very happy and excited to be in Hungary for this great celebration of aquatic sports,” he said.

“For the next 16 days, our best athletes will once more delight the thousands of spectators filling the venues and the many millions of TV viewers in the five continents.

“They will confirm the appeal of our six disciplines and the strength of Aquatics.

“Budapest and Balatonfured are ready to host a great competition, in amazing venues and locations.

“Everything is perfect here and most probably FINA will enjoy the best World Championships ever, here in Hungary.”

Synchronised swimming and diving will be held until July 22, along with open water swimming events at Lake Balaton.

Water Polo will take place between July 16 and 29, with high diving scheduled for the final three days of the Championships.

Swimming action will be held from July 23 to 30.

The FINA Congress is poised to take place on July 22, with incumbent President Maglione being challenged by Italy’s Paolo Barelli.