One of the five Olympic rings failed to open at the start of the Sochi Olympic opening ceremony in what appeared to be a technical glitch on Friday night.

Just four rings were seen after one of the five giant snowflakes failed to open into a circle.

"Even if the Olympic rings missed one ring due to some technical mistake, I don't think it will affect people's mood," said a spectator who gave her first name Oksana. "I have been enjoying the show from the very beginning.

"I think the scenes are fabulous. They showed Russia's rich history and culture."