Chinese artistic swimmers won three gold medals and one silver on the opening day of the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup first leg in Beijing on Friday.

China's Xu Huiyan triumphed in the women's solo technical with 244.9183 points, followed by neutral international athlete Vasilina Khandoshka and Aruba's Kyra Hoevertsz.

"In 2024, I have gained much experience at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha and the Artistic Swimming World Cup this time, which helped me grow up and get mature. I still need to improve myself and adjust to the new changes to the rules," said Xu, a bronze medalist at the World Championships in Doha.

The 18-year-old and her teammates went on to claim the team technical title, 21.1569 points ahead of Australia, followed by Kazakhstan.

In the mixed duet technical event, youngsters Ji Heyue and Guo Muye won China's third gold medal, followed by Kazakhstan and Spain.

"There was a sense of happiness and achievement when I stood on the podium. All our efforts were paid off at that moment," said Guo, 15, before he pocketed a silver in the men's solo technical after Spain's Jordi Caceres Iglesias, and followed by Italy's Filippo Pelati.

Some 100 elite artistic swimmers from 14 teams are competing in the three-day first leg of this year's World Cup series. The women's and men's solo free, women's duet technical and team free events will be staged on Saturday.

(With input from Xinhua)