Wang Ok Gyong and Kim Yong Mi of North Korea perform in the synchronised swimming duet free routine preliminary round at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 19, 2008. [Agencies]

Russia is ahead after the duet free preliminaries of Olympic synchronized swimming, giving the formidable duo a chance to defend their gold medal.

Anastasia Davydova and Anastasia Ermakova totaled 98.834 points Tuesday, maintaining the lead they owned after Monday's technical routine.

Gemma Mengual and Andrea Fuentes of Spain were second Tuesday with 97.918.

Japan's Saho Harada and Emiko Suzuki were third at 96.750, followed by China at 96.584.

Americans Christina Jones and Andrea Nott were fifth at 95.500.

The duet final is Wednesday.