| Russia take fourth gold in synchro swimming team |
LONDON Hot favourites Russia won synchronised swimming team gold on Friday to maintain their total domination of the sport stretching back to the Sydney Games in 2000.
The Russians, with a total score of 197.030, completed their fourth consecutive Games clean sweep after lifting the duet title on Tuesday.
China came in second, with Spain taking the bronze medal. Russia’s triumphant team comprised Anastasia Davydova, winning her fifth Olympic gold, Maria Gromova, Natalia Ishchenko, Elvira Khasyanova, Daria Korobova, Alexandra Patsk-evich, Svetlina Romashina and Anzhelika Timanina.
They were in pole for this latest title after going into the freestyle programme leading after Thursday’s technical routine.
Despite another polished performance, the Chinese, lying second overnight, were not able to dislodge their Russian rivals from the top of the podium, coming in with a score of 194.010.
Spain, silver medallists in Beijing four years ago, ended with a score of 193.120.
The last time Russia failed to win the gold at a major championship was at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games when they finished fourth to the United States, not represented in this final.
Friday’s free routine placed the emphasis on artistic impression, with Davydova and company seducing the capacity crowd at the Aquatics Centre and more importantly the 14 judges sitting poolside.
Agence France-Presse
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