(Beijing, April 16) The "Good Luck Beijing" 2008 Olympic Games Synchronized Swimming Qualification Tournament opened at the National Aquatics Center on April 16. Teams traditionally strong in the sport such as Japan, Athens Olympic runners-up, Spain and Canada will go all out for the last three team tickets to the Beijing Olympic Games.

The Olympic synchronized swimming competition consists of two events, team and duet, with the participation of 8 teams in the team event and 24 pairs of swimmers in the duet event. After the five continental champions and the host team have qualified for the Games, the remaining three tickets will go to the top three teams of this tournament.

The absence of Russia, double champions at Athens Olympics and World Championships, has created favorable conditions for Spain to display its strength. At the recent European Championships Spain was crown in the team event in the absence of Russia. At the 2007 Melbourne World Championships Spain earned the bronze in the team technical routine and the silver in the team free routine. Led by 31-year-old veteran Gemma Mengual, Spain has always impressed people with its skills and artistic compilations full of strength and originality.

As a frequent medalist of the World Championships, Japan would not be outdone by Spain. Due to their unexpected loss to China at the Doha Asian Games in 2006, the 2004 Olympic silver medalists have to earn a ticket to the Beijing Olympics at this tournament if they want to continue to be a leading force in the world. The Japanese lineup for the Beijing qualifications includes Olympic veteran Saho Harada and Emiko Suzuki.

Canada is one of the three teams that stand a fair chance of earning an Olympic ticket. Together with the USA, they dominated the scene during the sport's initial stage of development. Moreover, Greece, Italy and Ukraine are also competitive in this ticket contention.

As China has already qualified for the Olympic Games, no Chinese swimmers will appear in the team competition. However, Twin sisters Jiang Wenwen/Jiang Tingting will compete in the duet as pre-Olympic training. Their results would not be counted in final rankings.

The tournament will conclude on April 20.