Synchronis : Russia, Spain and Japan set the tone and secure London berths

Lausanne (SUI), MAJALAH AKUATIK INDONESIA – World number 1 Russia left little doubt that they are still the top team at the Olympic Games Synchronised Swimming Qualification, organised from April 18-22 at the Aquatics Centre, the superb venue for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Russia held on to their imposing lead over Spain to capture gold in both contested events, Duet and Team, while Japan rallied to finish third ahead of Ukraine in the Team event. The Europeans bested the Asians in the Duet routine, taking third.
The three medallist teams thereby earn their place for the Olympic synchronised swimming competition in London this summer.
The eight teams qualified for the 2012 London Olympic Games are: Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, Great Britain, Japan, Russia and Spain.
The 24 countries to have qualified a Duet for London are: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, DPR Korea, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United States. 

The 2012 London Olympic Games will feature two synchronised swimming events: Duet and Team, with a total six medals on offer. The classification is done by combining the scores of the technical and free routines. The sport has been on the Olympic programme since 1984. (fina)