TORONTO - Canada's Karine Thomas and Jacqueline Simoneau took the early lead in duet synchronized swimming on Thursday at the Pan American Games.

The Canadians earned 88.0881 points in the technical routine, putting them ahead of Mexico (84.4133) and the United States (82.5209).

Canada also leads after the technical routine for team synchronized swimming, earning 87.9094 points.

Mexico sits in second place (87.6740) while the Americans are in third (82.6018).

Both event's finals will begin Saturday morning.

In men's water polo, Kevin Graham and Justin Boyd each scored five times as Canada hammered Venezuela 16-2 in preliminary play.

Nicolas Bicari added a pair of goals for Canada (1-1-0) while Constantine Kudaba, Alec Taschereau, John Conway and Jared McElroy scored the others.

Also in men's round-robin play, Brazil toppled Mexico 22-9 to remain perfect while Argentina and Cuba played to a 7-7 draw.

Brazil (3-0) sits atop Group B, Canada is in second, followed by Mexico (0-1-1) and Venezuela (0-2-1).

The United States (2-0-0) leads Group A, Argentina (1-0-1) is next while Cuba (0-1-1) and Ecuador (0-2-0) are third and fourth, respectively.

On the women's side, Christine Robinson had four goals and Joelle Bekhazi added three of her own as Canada downed Puerto Rico 19-5.

Stephanie Valin, Dominique Perreault, Monika Eggens, Emma Wright and Katie Monton each added a pair of goals for Canada (2-0-1) as Krystina Alogbo and Carmen Eggens had a goal apiece.

In the other women's preliminary matches, Brazil smashed Venezuela 18-1 and Cuba beat Argentina 10-3.

The Canadians lead Group B, followed by Brazil (1-0-1), Puerto Rico (0-1-1) and Venezuela (0-2-1).

Group A is currently being lead by the U.S. (2-0-0). Cuba (1-1-0) and Argentina (1-1-0) are tied for second while Mexico (0-2-0) is in last place.

Group play will continue on Saturday when Canada's men's squad faces Mexico (0-1-1).