SHANGHAI -- It is always the same three teams running for the first place in the synchronized events at the Shanghai swimming worlds.

Russia, China and Spain finished top three in the technical team preliminary on Monday, all advancing to the final on Tuesday night.

The top three positions were just the same as decided in technical solo and duet competitions on Sunday.

Russia, the defending champion of the discipline, topped the 24-team qualifying sessions with 97.7 points. China and Spain followed with 96.0 and 95.7 respectively.