RECORD BREAKING: Artistic swimming-China maintain lead in team event, US move second…. REPORT
(Reuters) – China remained at the top of the standings in team artistic swimming at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, increasing its lead over opponents as the country seeks its first gold medal. China has strong aspirations of winning gold at the Paris Games, as Russia, the sport’s leading force, has been barred. The Chinese team shouted and hugged each other after getting the highest score in the free routine, but they remained focused as their coach spoke to them. Following the free routine, the United States moved into second place, trailing China by 69 points, with Spain in third. The Chinese women completed complicated acrobatic lifts, earning the team the best score of the night for artistic impression.Following the free routine, the United States moved into second place, trailing China by 69 points, with Spain in third. The Chinese women completed complicated acrobatic lifts, earning the team the best score of the night for artistic impression. The United States was in fourth place after the technical routine on Monday, but delighted judges with a performance titled “I Am the Water.” Wearing teal blue swimsuits, the Americans did water-themed techniques such as ice, fountains, snow, and waves. France, who are in sixth place, received loud and enthusiastic support from their home audience. Medals for team artistic swimming will be handed on Wednesday after the acrobatic performance, which is being featured for the first time in Paris