BEIJING, Dec. 13 -- As the last and the most creative aquatic event of the year, the hostsChina enjoyed the party and swept two victories from the free team and highlight routineson the opening day of the 9th FINA Synchronized Swimming World Trophy 2014 here inBeijing on Saturday.
The two-day world-class event, which attracts synchronized swimmers from Canada,China, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain and Ukraine, sets four competitions events includingsynchro highlight routine, thematic duet, thematic team and free combination. Solo isshown as the exhibition.
In front of the local fans, the Chinese girls performed a group of tough and consistentHeroines in the free team routines, collecting a total of 95.1665 points. Russia finishedsecond in 91.8335 and Canada came to third at 89.6665. Mexico and Spain came fourthand fifth in 88.6665 and 86.6665, respectively.
"We take World Trophy as a big party for the whole world's synchro swimmers. We enjoyit and like it very much!" said Ma Shuang, who competed in the 2011 edition. "We did notfeel as nervous as competing in other big world event, but more excited and passionate. Weperformed very well today."
Under the Dream Sky, China claimed second gold in the synchro highlight routine with95.8335, beating Canada 92.1670 and Russia 92.000. Mexico and Spain again came to thesame positions as they did in the team free.
Maximova Maria, coach from Russia, said her team was based on the Russia junior team. "We have a mixed team with most of them are selected from the junior team. We aretrying to do our best to enter the national team next year. It is a good start for us tocompete in the World Trophy and show ourselves to the world," Maria said.
The duet and free combination will take place on Dec. 14.
