The Alexandri twins were crowned women’s duet free routine champions after a stunning performance at the Marine Messe Fukuoka in the Japanese city.

Wang Liuyi and Wang Qianyi of China missed out on retaining the title as the Austrian duo emerged victorious by a narrow margin.

Performing to the routine "Condors", the Alexandri sister notched a winning score of 255.4583 points.

"We have a different kind of connection but it’s one heart," said Eirini-Marina Alexandri.

"We feel each other and we know how each other feels in the water.

"Just by seeing her I know what she is thinking.

"The connection is really special.

"We have another sister who also competes in artistic swimming.

"The connection is really special.

"We have another sister who also competes in artistic swimming.

"It’s amazing.

"All three of us are at the same level in artistic swimming.

"Our sister celebrated two medals and now we can celebrate another one together as a family."

The Wang twins had to settle for silver, scoring 255.2480, while Japan’s Moe Higa and Mashiro Yasunaga totalled 257.8368 for bronze.

It was the Japanese duo’s second medal at the World Championships after winning duet technical routine golds.

China registered their 10 successive diving title at the Fukuoka Prefectural Pool courtesy of Wang Zongyuan’s victory.

Wang, the reigning Olympic champion, had already struck men's synchronised three metre springboard gold alongside Long Daoyi and topped the podium again with success in the men's 3m springboard.

The Chinese diver stormed to victory with a superb score of 538.10.

Mexico’s Osmar Olvera Ibarra climbed from seventh to second to take a place on the podium with 507.50.

Long joined Wang on the rostrum after amassing 499.75 for bronze.

Open water swimming competition came to an end with Gregorio Paltrinieri leading the Italy to victory in the team event.

Paltrinieri moved clear of the field to clinch the win in 1hr 10min 31.2sec along with Barbara Pozzobon, Ginevre Taddeucci and Domenico Acerenza.

Hungary came second with 1:10:35.3, followed by Australia in third in 1:11:26.7.

"We are really happy about this performance," said Paltrinieri in a report by SwimSwam.

"It was a great race for every one of us.

"We really wanted to win, so it was our first time on the top of the podium in the relay.

"We are really happy."

Competition is due to continue tomorrow with medals set to be awarded in artistic swimming and diving.