The host federation returned to Montreal's Olympic Park Sports Center, the venue of the 1976 Olympic Games, at the top of the scoring tables following the first evening of competition at the 4th FINA Synchronised Swimming World Trophy. Saturday night is "Hockey Night in Canada" but ironically this evening's performances did not include any references or elements drawn from Canada's national pastime. Hockey jerseys, sticks, pucks and the NHL buzzer were the signature accessories  in Friday evening's winning performances by the duet and team squads from Canada. The Canadian squad swam to first place in last night's Highlights and Thematic Routines and leads in the scoring for the FINA Trophy after just two events.

Tonight the venue sound system blared the Black Eyed Peas hit song "A Good Night" featuring these lively lyrics:  "I have a feeling, I have a feeling that tonight is going to be a good night, a good, good night" perhaps giving even further inspiration to the Canadian team. Tonight the Canadians would face a stiff challenge from a Russian World Champion and the 2008 Olympic Gold Medallists in this evening's Free Solo and Thematic Team routines.

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The world's best synchronized swimmers returned to Montreal to compete in the 4th edition of the FINA Synchronised Swimming World Trophy. The national federations of Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Russia, Spain and United States will perform five events: “Synchro Highlight Routine”, “Thematic Duet”, “Solo”, “Thematic Team” and “Combination. In order to enhance the spectacular routines in synchronised swimming, the FINA Synchro World Trophy has different rules than the ones used at Olympic Games or World Championships. The main differences relate with the possibility of wearing accessories, to the judgement of the deck movements, or to the length of the programmes.

Just four summers ago Montreal hosted the very successful 2005 FINA World Championships.  Just prior to the competition Montreal's Mayor Gerald Tremblay was presented with the FINA Order in recognition of his outstanding support for the organisation of the 2005 FINA World Championships. This competition is being held at the aquatics venue of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.

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Last December in Madrid, the world of synchronised swimming entered into a new era with the introduction of thematic routines at the FINA Synchronised Swimming World Trophy. These routines also allowed participants to perform using accessories and additional equipment – something not permitted at the World Championships or Olympics. This new creative dimension brought added-value to the show and helped seduce spectators, TV viewers and judges. From November 27-29, when the 4th FINA Synchronised Swimming World Trophy 2009 takes place in Montreal (CAN), the innovative trend of this competition will continue. Even more new concepts aimed at improving and promoting the artistic side of synchronised swimming will be introduced, with the aim of boosting the sport’s popularity overall.

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