Bulgaria topped the qualification standings in the five hoops event ©UEG

Bulgaria finished top of the five hoops qualification standings with an impressive display at the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Guadalajara.

The Bulgarian team were in superb form on the opening day of the event at the Pabellón Multiusos Guadalajara as they scored 23.100 points.

Russia, whose routine carried a higher difficulty score, were 0.800 adrift of Bulgaria in second place in what proved to be a hotly-contested qualification round.

Italy rounded out the top three with a total of 21.800 to set up what promises to be a fascinating final tomorrow.

The first eight nations on the leaderboard qualified for the final.

Ukraine, Spain, Belarus, Estonia and Poland will also be in contention for the European five hoops title.

Qualification took place after the flag parade, featuring a record 40 countries whose gymnasts are competing at the event, was staged.

World-famous Spanish Flamenco dancer Rafael Amargo performed before the Championships were officially opened by European Union of Gymnastics President Farid Gayibov and Royal Spanish Gymnastics Federation counterpart Jesus Carballo.

The event is Gayibov's first major competition as President after he replaced Frenchman Georges Guelzec at the helm of the continental body in December.