British pairing Sarah Barrow and Tonia Couch have failed to reach the podium at the season's first meet of the FINA World Series in China.
The duo placed fifth out of a field of six in the women's 10m synchro, the first event of the three-day competition.
Successfully defending their gold from last year were China's Chen Ruolin and Liu Huixia, while Leong Mun Yee and new partner Cheong Jun Hoong climbed a step higher on the podium for silver.
Canada's Meaghan Benfeito and Roseline Filion were edged out into bronze after their second-place finish last season.
Results in full:
1. Chen Ruolin, Liu Hiuxia (CHN) - 345.36
2. Leong Mun Yee, Cheong Jun Hoonh (MAS) - 320.28
3. Meaghan Benfeito, Roseline Filion (CAN) - 310.86
4. Lara Tarvit, Melissa Wu (AUS) - 302.10
5. Tonia Couch, Sarah Barrow (GBR) - 289.62
6. Paola Espinosa, Alejandra Orozco (MEX) - 278.91
Neil Wilkes
