There was double gold for hosts Italy at the Artistic Roller Skating World Championships ©FIRS

Hosts Italy won double gold as the International Federation of Roller Sports (FIRS) Artistic Roller Skating World Championships continued in Novara.

The country claimed both the precision and small groups titles on a superb day in front of a home crowd at the Pala Igor Arena.

Despite two days of action having already taken place, today saw the Opening Ceremony of the Championships with FIRS President Sabatino Aracu declaring the event officially open.

There were then two competitions, with Italian team Sincro Roller Abyss taking the precision gold medal.

Their team skated a perfect performance and made history by becoming the first from their country to claim the top step of the podium in the discipline.

Team events came to the fore in Novara ©FIRS
Team events came to the fore in Novara ©FIRS

Argentinian team Roller Dreams performed with great rhythm and produced a fine choreographic performance to a medley of hits by Queen, but had to settle for the silver medal.

Another team from the South American country, Precision Skates, claimed the bronze.

In the small groups category, Italy were again triumphant as New Age delivered the best skating skills for gold.

Their near-perfect display "touched" the audience and beat their compatriots Division into the silver medal.

Brazil's Topsy Turvy clinched the bronze medal.