news bulletin from london 2012 olympics...

The squad won out with a combined score of 197.030 for their technical and free routines, both set to music by Denis Garnizov.

Russia have dominated synchronised swimming in recent years, having won every World Championship since 1998 and taking gold in Beijing.

China were beaten into second place, with a combined score of 194.010, while Spain clinched bronze with 193.12.

Team GB, who competed in the team synchronised swimming for the first time at an Olympic Games, came in sixth place, in line with the target set by their coach Biz Price.

Croatia brushed aside rivals Montenegro 7-5 in a pulsating water-polo semi-final.

A commanding performance from the Atlanta runners-up will give them the opportunity to win their first water polo gold medal as an independent country tomorrow.

The win over their Balkan neighbours extended Croatia’s 100 per cent record in the London 2012 tournament to seven wins from seven.

They were strong in defence and ruthless in attack, and the scoreline flattered Montenegro, who were wasteful in possession.

Great Britain’s rhythmic gymnastics group bowed out of London 2012 as Russia once again impressed in the all-around event to qualify top for tomorrow’s final.

The British group scored 23.850 for yesterday’s ribbon and hoop routine and finished last in 12th place with a total of 48.000 after their five balls routine earned them 24.150.

Russia (56.375), Italy (55.800) and Belarus (54.750) topped qualification for tomorrow’s final and they will be joined by Bulgaria, Spain, Ukraine, Israel and Japan in the battle for medals.

The British team of Rachel Smith, Louisa Pouli, Francesca Fox, Lynne Hutchison and Georgina Cassar performed a dramatic routine to huge applause from the home crowd as sixth member Jade Faulkner sat out.