Switzerland's Madeleine Perk and Belinda Schmid have reached the final of the synchronised swimming duet, after qualifying in 11th place.

After a convincing performance in Sunday's technical section, the Swiss women made an impressive showing in the free routine preliminary.

With 12 pairs qualifying for the final, Perk and Schmid are unlikely to be in medal contention. Nevertheless their achievement in coming through the preliminary round is remarkable for two swimmers who have been training together for less than a year.

Perk and Schmid had to go wild to secure their place in the finals. Their routine was based on a tiger theme, with the women appropriately costumed and choreographed.

After receiving their marks Schmid expressed her gratitude to their Russian choreographer, former world champion Olga Sedakova.

"We profit enormously from Olga's choreography," the 19-year-old explained. "She is a true artist, and creates many original pieces."

Looking ahead to Tuesday's final, Perk said that she and Schmid had already achieved what they had set out to do. "We have reached our goal," she said. "Now we can go into the final without feeling any pressure or tension."

Perk and Schmid's success has ensured the first Swiss appearance in a synchronised swimming final for 12 years. Karin Singer and Edith Boss were the last Swiss swimmers to achieve the feat, going on to take fifth place at the Seoul Olympics.

swissinfo with agencies

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