Australian artistic swimming duet Rayna Buckle and Kiera Gazzard are 14th entering their free routine as China again led the way at the Paris Aquatics Centre.
China has made the most of traditional powerhouse Russia's Olympic absence, winning the team's event and now sitting clear in the two-person program ahead of Saturday's final routine.
Wang Qianyi and Wany Liuyi combined for a score of 276.7867 points in Friday's technical routine, nine points clear of Austria with Australia (210.0782) further off the pace.
Australia's artistic swimming team finished ninth after their third and final routine on Wednesday.
