China captured the five balls title in the first leg of the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup series in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Monday.

To mark the new season, China created new routines for both the five balls, and three hoops and two clubs, combining Chinese and Western cultural themes. China's gymnasts completed a stirring routine inspired by ancient Chinese poet Li Qingzhao, scoring 27.250 points to take gold. Individual Neutral Athletes finished second, followed by Uzbekistan.

The three-day competition in the Bulgarian capital featured 89 gymnasts in individual events and 22 teams in group events, with the World Cup series counting toward qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

The next three World Cups will be held in Tashkent, Baku and Milan, as part of the qualification process for the Games.