Italy's Antonio Fantin dominated the opening day of the World Para Swimming World Series event in Lignano Sabbiadoro ©Facebook

Italian athletes topped a number of heats on the first day of the World Para Swimming World Series event in Lignano Sabbiadoro.

Antonio Fantin, winner of four European gold medals, was a stand-out performer for the hosts at Bella Italia Village.

He recorded the fastest time in the three heats he was competing in, firstly achieving a time of 1min 07.46sec in the men's 100 metres freestyle S5. 

In the men's 50m backstroke Fantin won his heat in 36.69sec, before finishing the men's 200m freestyle in 2:25.18. 

Three-time world champion Monica Boggioni was successful in the heats of the women's 200m freestyle S5 ©IPC
Three-time world champion Monica Boggioni was successful in the heats of the women's 200m freestyle S5 ©IPC

His compatriot Luigi Beggiato was also dominant, leading the men's 100m freestyle S4 heat in 1:41.96 and the 200m freestyle S4 in 3:47.62.

Three-time world champion Monica Boggioni continued Italy's success, topping the women's 200m freestyle S5 in 2:57.20.

The competition is due to continue tomorrow.