Spain climb golden stairway to synchronised heaven

Spain rocked their way to gold in the team free combination synchronised swimming event at the world championships on Wednesday with a stunning aquatic interpretation of Stairway to Heaven.

The bold routine, which featured air guitar playing as the Led Zeppelin hit reached its crescendo, propelled them to victory with a score of 98.333.

Members of Spain's team compete during the synchronized swimming free routine combination final at the World Championships in Rome.

The gold medalists received scores ranging from 9.7 to 9.9 for a total of 98.333 points on Wednesday.

Members of China's team show their silver medals after the synchronized swimming free routine combination final at the World Championships in Rome on Wednesday.

China came second with 97.667 thanks a performance that included pieces from Swan Lake.

Members of Ukraine's team compete during the synchronized swimming free routine combination final at the World Championships in Rome on Wednesday.

The Ukrainians seemed to have taken over from the Russians, who did not have a team in this final, but had dominated the discipline so far with victory in the team technical event followed by wins in the tech solo and duet classes.

Canada edged Italy to the bronze medal with a funky number.

The open water competitions at the Rome showpiece had to rescheduled after storms battered the beach facilities.