SOFIA, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria and Russia won six of the eight gold medals at the first event of this year's FIG World Cup circuit in Rhythmic Gymnastics, which ended here on Sunday.

In the group event, Bulgaria won the all-around and five hoops competitions, while Japan grabbed the gold in the three balls and two ropes competition.

In the individual event, Aleksandra Soldatova of Russia swept the gold medals in the all-around, hoop and ball competitions, while Katrin Taseva of Bulgaria and Linoy Ashram of Israel took the titles in the clubs and the ribbon respectively.

As many as 18 teams and 56 gymnasts from 35 countries and regions competed in the three-day event, which kicked off on Friday.

The 2018 FIG World Cup circuit in Rhythmic Gymnastics has four stops in Sofia, Pesaro of Italy, Tashkent of Uzbekistan and Baku of Azerbaijan.

In September, Bulgaria will host the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships.