(BEIJING, August 22) -- Russia is poised to claim Team Event gold as the Synchronized Swimming competition concludes at the National Aquatics Center on August 23.

　　If the Russians take top spot, the Beijing Olympics will be the third consecutive Olympic Games in which they have won gold in both the Duet and Team Event competitions. Russia has won Team Event gold at the past two Olympic Games and the past five world championships.

　　Russia's technical routine on August 22 scored 49.500, giving them an imposing 0.583 lead over second-placed Spain. They will showcase a new free routine they have been perfecting behind closed doors since the Melbourne 2007 World Championships.

　　Spain scored 48.917 for their technical routine on August 22. They are the only team to have recently beaten Russia, claiming gold at the 2007 FINA World Trophy Cup. The Spanish duo Gemma Mengual and Andrea Fuentes won silver on the Duet competition on August 20.

　　China, the most improved Synchronized Swimming team in recent years, swam impressively in the technical routine to score 48.584. They are still seeking their country's first Olympic Synchronized Swimming medal after twins Jiang Tingting and Jiang Wenwen finished fourth in the Duet on August 20.

　　Japan won silver behind Russia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games but finished fourth in the technical routine with a score of 48.167. They are high on confidence after taking bronze in the Duet but will have to improve their synchronization if they are to mount a serious challenge.

　　For some teams, the names of their routines are almost as compelling as their performances. China has the 'Spirit of the Chinese Sword' (Team Technical), the United States has created 'The Rebirth of Christ' (Duet Free) and Canada has devised 'Chinese Astrology' (Team Free).