Four teams qualify for Athens synchronized swimming

Russia, Japan, the United States and Spain have secured their places in the synchronized swimming team event of the 2004 Olympic Games after finishing top four of the Qualification Tournament here on Saturday, FINA website reported.

World champions Russia scored 99.167 points in the free routine Saturday and standing in the first place with a total points of 99.084 from their technical routine and free presentation.

World runners-up Japan clinched the second spot in a total of 97.918 while the United States maintained their position in the world championships in last July in 96.750.

The Spanish team, formed by a group of experienced swimmers coached by Anna Tares, was tied with the United States in the third place of the technical program, but was a little bit inferior during their free presentation and finished fourth in 96.417.

During the free program, the Russians displayed a very consistent performance, winning marks from 9.9 to 10 from the ten judges.

Japan, also used to shine at major international competitions, was also impressive with scores between 9.7 and 9.9.

On Sunday, the last day of the tournament, the last four Olympic places both in the duet (24 pairs in the Olympic Games) and team event (eight groups in the Olympics) will be decided.

The remaining eight teams will contest the second round of the team free program to vie for the last Olympic spots but Greece, ashost country, is automatically qualified.

The four-day competition, also serving as a test event for the Aug. 13-29 Games, attracted a record of 38 countries and regions as well as 12 teams are to seek their tickets for the Olympics.