Russia's Team Junost is seeking a third title at the ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships starting in Neuchâtel tomorrow ©ISU

Russia's two-time champions, Team Junost Junior, will defend their title at the International Skating Union's World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships in Neuchâtel in Switzerland, starting tomorrow.

They will face strong opposition in the shape of last year's silver medallists, Team Skyliners from the United States, and a second Russian team, 2018 bronze medallists Team Crystal Ice Junior.

Meanwhile Finland, winners of the first two versions of this Championship in 2013 and 2015, will be keen to get back onto the podium at the Neuchâtel Ice Arena through the efforts of Team Dream Edges Junior and Team Fintastic Junior.

Other likely contenders include Canadian outfits Team Nexxice Junior and Les Supremes Junior.

Team Skyliners, from the United States, will seek to go one better than the silver they earned last year when they contest the impending ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships in Neuchâtel ©ISU
Team Skyliners, from the United States, will seek to go one better than the silver they earned last year when they contest the impending ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships in Neuchâtel ©ISU

Teams from Australia, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey are competing as well.

A total of 23 teams representing 18 ISU members have been entered for the fifth edition of the Championships that was a biennial event and became annual from 2017.

The short programme, being held tomorrow, consists of six required elements and Saturday's (March 16) concluding free skating contains a maximum of ten elements.