Russian synchronized swimming team competes.
(BEIJING, August 22) -- Russia's decade of domination in the Synchronized Swimming Team Event looks set to continue as they took a decisive lead after the Technical Routine at the National Aquatics Center on August 22.
Chasing their third consecutive Olympic gold in this discipline, Russia got off to the best possible start with a routine displaying the power and precision that has come to be expected of the world champion team. Their score of 49.500 left them 0.583 points clear of their nearest rival Spain, heading into Free Routine on August 23.
Spain, who won silver in the Duet on August 20, are in a position to claim their second Olympic Synchronized Swimming medal after finishing second with a score of 48.917. While their routine was impressive, the Spanish pride themselves on their artistic ability and remain confident their innovative Free Routine should be enough to bridge the gap with Russia.
A spectacular opening passage of legwork from China was backed up by an all-round graceful performance. They were rewarded with a score of 48.584, putting them in third place. The biggest improvers in Synchronized Swimming in the last four years look certain to better their sixth-place finish at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and perhaps claim China's first Olympic medal in the sport.
Japan, silver-medalists at the last two Olympic Games, are once again locked in a tussle with China for a minor medal. Unlike the Duet competition, however, when Japan took a lead over their Asian rivals into the final routine, this time China has the upper-hand. The Japanese team suffered from some slight synchronization errors on their way to fourth place and a score of 48.167.
The United States and Canada finished locked in equal fifth on 47.584. Both teams will have to erase some technical flaws if they are to challenge for a medal.
The Team Event concludes on August 23 with the Free Routine.
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