YOKOHAMA – Host Japan finished runnerup to favorite Russia in the free combination to secure a place on the podium on the opening day of the synchronized swimming World Cup on Thursday.
Japan advanced past the preliminary round in second place and performed an equally solid routine in the final to collect 98 points at Yokohama International Swimming Pool.
Russia, led by duet world champions Anastasia Davydova and Anastasia Ermakova, won with 99 points, and Spain took third with 97.
Each team comprises 10 members in the free combination, a non-Olympic event which is held for the first time in the World Cup and made up of the team, duet and solo events.