Japan’s Yasunari Hirai is in shape – excellent shape. He set the pace in today’s 1 km grid race on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.

His teammate Kaoru Yamanaka hung on to place fourth overall behind hometown favorite Brazil, fast-charging Italy and a solid South African team.

Saturday is the amateur races and Sunday is the pro race for the 2013 King and Queen of the Sea.

Copyright © 2013 by World Open Water Swimming Association