Varfolomeev leads rhythmic gymnastics worlds after first day

German Darja Varfolomeev and Italian Sofia Raffaeli have taken the lead at the rhythmic gymnastics World Championships in Frankfurt. Varfolomeev, who holds the Olympic, world, and European titles, posted the strongest scores in the hoop and ball routines, totaling 58.950 points. Raffaeli is close behind with 58.550 points. Maria Borisova of Russia, competing under a neutral flag, secured third place provisionally with 58.050 points, excelling in the clubs and ribbon exercises. The competition's opening day also saw notable stumbles from podium contenders. Ukrainian Taisiia Onofriichuk was hampered by significant errors in her ball routine, while Olympic bronze medalist Alina Harnasko of Belarus recovered in the ribbon after a shaky start in clubs. The qualification phase continues Thursday with the remaining two exercises. The top 18 gymnasts will advance to Friday's all-around final, based on their three best scores out of the four routines performed, with the lowest score being discarded. This scoring system leaves room for comebacks for gymnasts like Picó and Bautista if they deliver clean performances in their final apparatus.