Chinese twin sisters Jiang Wenwen/Jiang Tingting defended their title at the Guangzhou Asiad by winning the gold medal of duet synchronized swimming Friday.

Performing like the grateful cranes, the sisters showed their elegance and difficulty in the duet free routine, winning the title with 193.375 points. Japanese pair Yukiko Inui/Chisa Kobayashi came to second in 186.875 and South Korea's Park Hyunha/Park Hyunsun ranked third in 177.875.

"Comparing with our performance last time in Doha Asiad, we have improved a lot in expression and technics," said Jiang Wenwen, who together with his sister also crowned at the World Cup in September to become the first world champion of China since the sport entered the country in late 1970s.

Last time in Doha, the sisters came from behind to shock Asia by beating their strongest rival Japanese, which was a breakthrough for Chinese synchronized swimming and a stop for Japan's unbeaten run at the Asiad as Japan have won every gold medal before.

Four years later in Guangzhou, the newly-crowned world champion met few challenge from their opponents, leading in both technical and free routine with a huge margin.

"They have proved that they are the best in Asia," said the sisters' coach Zheng Jia, "Now they are in a very good form, but not the best. Hopefully, they can reach the climax at the London Olympics."

Later on, the sisters will continue to fight for gold with their teammates in the team and combination event. "They have to get up early in the morning to prepare for the performance," added Zheng.

 (Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2010)