Arina Averina, right, finished ahead of her identical twin and defending champion Dina in clubs qualifying ©Getty Images

Arina Averina found herself in the unusual position of leading her twin sister Dina, as she topped the clubs qualifying on the third day of the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championship in Azerbaijan.

Arina finished the evening with 24.250 points, as her identical twin – seeking a third all-around title at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku – finished behind her going into tomorrow's second round of qualifications and finals with a total of 24.000.

Ukraine's Vlada Nikolchenko was third on 23.450 and Russia's Ekaterina Selezneva, who won individual hoop gold yesterday, fourth on 22.600.

Linoy Ashram of Israel headed qualifying in the ribbon at the Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships ©Getty Images
Linoy Ashram of Israel headed qualifying in the ribbon at the Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships ©Getty Images

In the ribbon qualification, Israel's Linoy Ashram, who won silver and bronze the previous day in the hoop and ball, respectively, finished top with 21.150.

Italy's Milena Baldassarri was second on 20.500, with Ashram's compatriot Nicol Zelikman third on 19.350.

Friday will see the individual all-around final, with group competition over the weekend.

.