KAZAN, Russia - More than 551,000 tickets were sold before the first day of the Kazan Universiade and that set a record in the history of Universiade.

Kazan citizens and visitors showed great interest to the events not only to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, but also to the sport competitions. The peak of sales was within the last two weeks before Games, when more than 450,000 tickets were sold, more than 60,000 tickets were sold within the last three days.

The ticket sale will be further boosted by Russian athletes' performances at the Universiade as so far the host nation has won 39 gold medals, 33 more than its nearest chasers.

There are still 8 more matchdays remaining and Russia is mostly likely set another Universiade - winning more than 75 gold medals at a single Universiade.

Two years ago in Shenzhen, China, China won a all-time high 75 gold medals to top the medal table.

The 2013 Kazan Universiade features in 351 events in 27 sports.