US out of synch, but Russia in line

Compiled by Globe Staff, 09/15/2000

WHEN: Sept. 25 (duet), Sept. 29 (team)

US ENTRIES: Carrie Barton, Tammy Cleeland-McGregor, Bridget Finn, Anna Kozlova, Kristia Lum, Elicia Marshall, Tuesday Middaugh, Heather Pease-Olson, Kim Wurzel

FAVORITES: Duet: 1. Olga Brusnikina-Maria Kisseleva, Russia; 2. Miya Tachibana-Miho Takeda, Japan; 3. Virginie Dedieu-Myriam Lignot, France; Team: 1. Russia; 2. Japan; 3. Canada.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: The US won gold in Atlanta, but the Russians rule the sport now, led by likely gold medalists Olga Brusnikina and Maria Kisselva. Though the Americans have always made the podium, it'll be a stretch this time. What does it say that their best swimmer now is a male (ineligible Bill May)?