Picture Gallery Day-3

Photos: German Grimm wins Kayak K1 Men's gold

Updated: 2008-08-12 19:19:17

(L-R) Fabien Lefevre, Alexander Grimm and Eoin Rheinisch (Photo credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Germany's Alexander Grimm won the Olympic Kayak K1 Men's gold medal in 171.70 here on Tuesday. France's Fabien Lefevre took silver in 173.30 and Ireland's Eoin Rheinisch got bronze in 176.91.

Alexander Grimm competes. (Photo credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Alexander Grimm competes. (Photo credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Alexander Grimm poses for pictures. (Photo credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Canoe/Kayak Slalom Day 3 preview: Paddlers in the water

Updated: 2008-08-10 18:53:03

Tony Estanguet, the flag bearer (Photo credit: Getty Images)

(BEIJING, August 10) -- The first day of the Canoe/Kayak Slalom competition will see all paddlers roll out in full cylinder. The August 11 events at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park will attract the attention of Slalom fans from all around the world.

Slalom C1

Thirty-year-old Tony Estanguet of France was the champion in Slalom C1 for the last two Olympic Games. France's flag bearer in the opening ceremony, Estanguet hopes to win his third consecutive Olympic gold medal in Beijing. Estanguet was the winner of the 2008 World Cup in Prague with a time of 175.50 seconds. He then skipped the next two World Cups to concentrate on his preparations for Beijing.

Michal Martikán of Slovakia (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Estangeut's fiercest competitor will be Slovakian superstar Michal Martikán who has won four world championships and an Olympic gold medal in Atlanta. Martikán finished twice behind Estanguet in Sydney and Athens, but still holds the world record in canoeing Olympic medals. Like Estanguet, he skipped the World Cup series this year to focus on training for this summer's Olympic Games.

Robin Bell of Australia (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Robin Bell of Australia is close on the heels of his fellow competitors Estangeut and Martikán. Bell is the current World No. 1. The South Africa born canoer finished ninth in Sydney and fourth in Athens, but his steady performance in this year's World Cup series brought him to the top of the world rankings. If he can continue his good form, nobody will be surprised to see him standing on the top of the podium on Tuesday, August 12.

Other key paddlers include 2008 Pan American Champion Ben Fraker of the United States, World No. 9 Christos Tsakmakis of Greece, and World No. 10 James Cartwright Garland of Canada.

Heat one will start at 3:00 p.m. local time (UTC/GMT +8) and the second run will come at 4:52 p.m.

Slalom K1

Fabien Lefèvre of France (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Without defending champion Benoît Peschier, France's hope of retaining this gold medal lies on Athens bronze medalist Fabien Lefèvre. Ranking 37th in the world, Lefèvre skipped two World Cup series to adjust his form for Beijing this year. Nicknamed "Fabulous Fab," he was the favored winner four years ago. This time, he gets another chance to live up to expectations.

Helmut Oblinger of Austria (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Thirty-five-year-old Austrian veteran Helmut Oblinger may become Lefèvre's biggest challenger. Oblinger finished fourth in Sydney and 13th in Athens, but his steady performance in this year's World Cup series proves that he is still on form for another Olympic journey. Ranking third in the world, he is determined to have his gold–winning dream come true in Beijing.

Campbell Walsh of Great Britain (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Athens' silver medalist Campbell Walsh of Great Britain will be another challenger for the gold. He is the reigning European champion and currently ranks 56th in the world. He also skipped two World Cup series in order to concentrate on the Beijing Games.

Other notable paddlers include 2007 Augsburg World Cup winner Alexander Grimm of Germany, 2008 Tacen World Cup winner Peter Kauzer of Slovenia, World No. 5 Warwick Draper of Australia, and World No. 8 David Ford of Canada.

Heat one will start at 3:50 p.m. (UTC/GMT +8) local time and the second run will tip off at 5:42 p.m.

Tennis Day 3 Preview: France and China herald second-round action

Updated: 2008-08-12 03:31:10

(BEIJING, August 12) -- Action at the Olympic Green Tennis Center is bound to be hotly contested as many high profile Men's and Women's second round Singles matches and first round Doubles matches take place on Tuesday, August 12.

Men's Singles, Second Round

Rafael Nadal of Spain, who next week becomes World No.1, meets former No.1 Lleyton Hewitt of Australia for what is arguably the match of the day on Center Court.

Roger Federer of Switzerland should have an easier encounter with Rafael Arevalo of El Salvador, who is playing his first Olympics by invitation of the International Tennis Federation.

France is the most successful NOC in the Men's tournament so far, with all four Frenchmen still alive in the competition. The No.26 Paul-Henri Mathieu of France has the toughest second round draw of his teammates, facing No.4 Nikolay Davydenko of Russia.

Athens 2004 Gold medallist Nicolas Massu of Chile meets No.8 David Nalbandian of Argentina for the first time since 2004.

No.15 Fernando Gonzalez of Chile has a second meeting with 1.98m Marin Cilic of Croatia. The 19-year-old Cilic defeated Gonzalez, the Athens 2004 Bronze medallist and 2007 Australian Open runner-up, in the third round of this year's Australian Open.

The USA's hopes lie with No.8 James Blake, who plays 451st-ranked Dominik Hrbaty of Slovakia.

No.3 Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays 2008 Wimbledon semifinalist Rainer Schuettler of Germany in the first match of the evening session on Court 1.

Women's Singles, Second Round

On her second day as the new World No.1, Jelena Jankovic of Serbia meets No.30 Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine.

Chinese players Li Na, Peng Shuai and Zheng Jie carry home interest as the only surviving Chinese in the Olympic Tennis event. Zheng plays Nuria Llagostera Vives of Spain, and Peng meets No.19 Alize Cornet of France in the first match of the day on Centre Court.

Athens 2004 Olympic Gold medallists Serena and Venus Williams of the United States meet Sam Stosur of Australia and Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic, respectively.

Birthday girl Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain turns 26 and could have a double celebration should she defeat No.7 Dinara Safina of Russia in their second round match.

No.6 Elena Dementieva of Russia is one of three Russians going into the second round, alongside Safina and Vera Zvonareva. Dementieva, who will play Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden in the second round.

The Men's and Women's second round in Tennis will be held at the Olympic Green Tennis Center on August 12.

Men's Football Day 3 Preview: US and Nigeria watch out for the Dutch

Updated: 2008-08-12 16:28:27

(BEIJING, August 12) -- The Olympic Men's Football tournament will continue to crescendo when it resumes on August 13. Some teams have already booked their quarterfinal berths, others have to fight for survival, while some are ready to pack up and go home.

The group with the most intense competition is group B. Nigeria and the United States lead the group with four points. However, neither can afford a draw in their next match against each other because the Netherlands is snapping at their heels.

With two points in hand, the Netherlands must defeat Japan to keep its Olympic dream afloat. What's more, it needs to ensure that its goal difference will exceed Nigeria and the United States if those two sides play out a draw.

In addition to the above must-win matches, it will also be exciting to watch Italy and Brazil continue their goal rush. These two teams have scored a total of twelve goals in just four matches. Brazil gave minnow New Zealand a 5-0 hiding in its second game, while Italy has recorded two 3-0 victories.

Italy is usually recognized as being a master of defense, but head coach Pierluigi Casiraghi has included three forwards, Tommaso Rocchi, Sebastian Giovinco and Giuseppe Rossi, in the starting line-up and has been hugely rewarded.

"This is our mode of playing. We try to get the best from our three excellent forwards," Casiraghi said after Italy's win against the Republic of Korea.

Brazil also plays with three forwards upfront: Ronaldinho, Alexandre Pato and Anderson. Ronaldinho, the 2004 and 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year, found his rhythm in Brazil's last match and scored his first competitive goal since December 12, 2007. Along with Giuseppe Rossi of Italy and Sekou Cisse of Côte d'Ivoire, Ronaldinho is now the leading goal kicker of the tournament with two goals.

When the quarterfinals start on August 16, the first-placed team from group C will play the second-placed team from group D. So a rematch of the 1994 Los Angeles World Cup final between Brazil and Italy could be on the cards.

"We will try to finish first in our group. We still have another game and I think Brazil is in the same situation as we are," said the Italian coach Casiraghi.

Handball Day 3 Preview: World champion Russia looking for first victory

Updated: 2008-08-11 01:38:01

(BEIJING, August 10) -- The Women's Handball prelims will continue on August 11, with 12 teams competing for eight quarterfinal spots. Powerhouse Russia, after tying with the Republic of Korea, looks forward to their first win in their second match.

Sweden vs. Russia

The two teams will compete in the last match of group B for day three. It has been 15 years since Sweden met Russia in an international tournament. In 1993 Russia beat Sweden 25-19 at the World Championships.

Sweden lost their first match 30-24 to Hungary, principally because of their inefficient attack. World champions Russia had a surprisingly tough start, held 29-29 by the Republic of Korea (ROK). Neither teams got off to a good start, but the 2007 World Champion Russian women hope to grab their first victory Monday evening.

The Republic of Korea vs. Germany

The ROK made an outstanding comeback in their opening match against Russia, and center-back Kim Ona is a player to look out for. Germany's top players are left-back Nadine Krause and goalkeeper Clara Woltering.

Last year Germany managed to beat the ROK, taking a 32-26 victory at the World Championships. The Republic of Korea had won their four previous encounters at international tournaments in the 1990s.

China vs. Romania

Romania had an easy start to the tournament, smashing Kazakhstan 31-19 on Saturday, while China, in their first match, managed to keep up with Norway's level of play for one half, but in the end they went down 30-23.

China only lost 31-29 at the 2007 World Championships to Romania, whereas in their two previous matches Romania finished six goals ahead. Yet it is still anticipated that Romania, as a European powerhouse, might overpower the host team.

Brazil vs. Hungary

Hungary beat Sweden 30-24 in their first match, whereas Brazil lost 24-22 to Germany on Saturday. They will meet in the first match of group B Monday morning.

Hungary has always proved too strong for the Brazilians at international tournaments, winning all four previous encounters, scoring 126 goals while only conceding 84. However, Brazil rattled Germany in the day one match and proved their potential to challenge the powerhouse.

Brazil's left-back and the team's top scorer to date, Aline Santos, will likely be a strong challenge for the Hungarian defense. While Hungary's left-wing Orsolya Verten and the world's top player, Anita Gorbicz, are players to watch.

Angola vs. Norway

The afternoon clash between African champion Angola and European Champion Norway might be a comfortable victory for the latter over the former, given that Norway beat Angola 32-26 in a preliminary match at last year's World Championships.

Angola played a strong first half in their opening match against France but faded in the second and went down 32-21. Norway showed all their class in their first game, beating China 30-23. The Europeans proved they are keen to win a third Olympic medal after two silver finishes (1988 and 1992).

Kazakhstan vs. France

The two will meet in the opening match of group A. France won the only encounter between the two teams at an international tournament so far, beating Kazakhstan 31-20 at the 2007 World Championships.

France has Sophie Herbrecht and goalie Valerie Nicolas to watch. Kazakhstan has to improve, as they went down 31-19 to Romania, but cornerstone Olga Ajiderskaya showed some class, scoring 10 goals in the day one match and might prove a threat to the French team.

Equestrian Day 3 Preview: Australia leads battle charge to Cross-Country

Updated: 2008-08-11 01:42:53

(HONG KONG, August 10) -- Australia leads the way at the end of Dressage on Sunday and the Eventing competition heads forward to the Cross-Country at the Hong Kong Equestrian Venue Beas River on Monday.

Sixty-nine riders from 21 NOCs will ride a course with 39 jumps over 4,560 meters.

Only the lowest three penalty scores from each team contribute to the team total, which is then carried forward.

The top three teams are closely ranked, with only 12 penalties between the first and third positions.

Australia leads on a score of 102.80 penalties. At the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the Australians were in the same position after the Dressage section and went on to win gold.

Germany is second on 110.50 penalties.

USA are a close third on 115.60.

Great Britain is playing catch-up after poor Dressage scores left them in fourth place on 121.80.

Italy is in a surprise fifth place on 127.40, ahead of experienced campaigner New Zealand, in sixth place on 136.50.

The Irish team will be relieved to leave dressage behind and move on to their preferred Cross-Country after poor tests left them in tenth place on 160.80.

In the individual rankings, Lucinda Fredericks from Australia with Headley Britannia leads on 30.40 penalties, followed by Karin Donckers from Belgium riding Gazelle De La Brasserie (31.70) and Ingrid Klimke from Germany with Abraxxas on 33.50. All three are seasoned Eventers.

The first rider out on the course will again be Mark Todd of New Zealand, riding Gandalf. Riders will start at intervals of three minutes, weather permitting on Monday morning.

Photos: Trickett wins Women's 100m Butterfly gold

Updated: 2008-08-11 12:00:39

Lisbeth Trickett poses with the gold medal. (Photo credit: Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

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Lisbeth Trickett of Australia clocked 56.73 seconds to take the Women's 100m Butterfly gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games on Monday.

American Christine Magnuson finished second in 57.10 and another Australian, Jessicah Schipper, took the bronze in 57.25.

Lisbeth Trickett celebrates finishing in first place. (Photo credit: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Lisbeth Trickett poses with the gold medal. (Photo credit: Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

(L-R) Christine Magnuson, Lisbeth Trickett and Jessicah Schipper (Photo credit: Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Lisbeth Trickett prepares to compete. (Photo credit: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Lisbeth Trickett competes in the Women's 100m Butterfly Final. (Photo credit: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)