Russian favourites lead synchro

Russia have won the duet title at the last two Olympics

Russia's defending Olympic champions Anastasia Davydova and Anastasia Ermakova made the duet synchronised swimming final in pole position.

The pair collected 49.500 points in the free routine to amass an overall total of 98.834 and maintain first place.

Gemma Mengual and Andrea Fuentes of Spain held onto second spot ahead of Japan's Saho Harada and Emiko Suzuki.

British pair Jenna Randall and Olivia Allison finished in 14th overall with only the top 12 into Wednesday's final.

Randall and Allison, who lay 14th after the technical routine, progressed in the free routine finishing joint 13th to complete their debut Olympics with a very solid score.

The teenagers, who are the first British synchronised swimmers to qualify for an Olympic Games since 1992, are focusing on major improvement ahead of the London 2012 Games.

Title favourites and reigning world champions Davydova and Ermakova established their lead following the technical routine on day one, scoring 49.334 points.

The pair, who also claimed world titles in 2001, 2003 and 2005, scored highly in their three minute, 34 second free routine.

"This routine is very difficult in breath control," Davydova said. "We need to hold our breath for at most 30 seconds."

The medals will be decided in Wednesday's final at the Water Cube.