France, USA make history in Tokyo Olympic volleyball
Members of Team USA celebrate after winning the women's volleyball final against Brazil at Tokyo 2020 on Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Surprise package France and two-time Olympic runners-up the United States made history by winning gold in men's and women's volleyball finals at Tokyo 2020.
TOKYO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Dark horses France and two-time Olympic silver medalists the United States made history by winning the men's and women's volleyball titles at Tokyo 2020.
The title winning feat of the French men, whose best result prior to Tokyo was an eighth-place finish in 1988, was the biggest surprise. Following a lackluster fourth-place finish in preliminary Pool B, they pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory over Poland, the top finishers from Pool A, before sweeping Argentina 3-0 in the semifinals and holding off the Russian Olympic Committee 3-2 in another five-set thriller to win their first Olympic medal in volleyball.
"This is a moment of magic. It's a dream come true, and I think everybody agrees with me that it's a fairy tale. It's been a fairy tale since the beginning," said France's head coach Laurent Tillie. "Over the past nine years we have had joy and pain, but we remained focused on this goal. Winning the final against the great team of Russia, three sets to two, this gives us huge satisfaction."
France players celebrate after winning the men's volleyball final against the ROC at Tokyo 2020 on Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)
Rio 2016 champions Brazil, reigning world champions Poland and the United States had been considered title favorites before the start of the Tokyo Games, but the American men failed to make the quarterfinals after ranking fifth behind France in Pool B, while Poland and Brazil lost to France and Russia respectively in the semifinals.
"Who would have predicted a final between Russia and France? Few people, I think. We had three teams that were obvious favorites - Poland, Brazil and the USA. Now, we shouldn't change our state of mind when we enter a new competition," said Benjamin Toniutti of France.
"We are going to enjoy this one tonight and will celebrate this historic victory together because we have been under pressure for a very long time."
Ana Carolina da Silva (L) and Fernanda Rodrigues of Brazil go for a block during their women's volleyball final against the USA. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)
The Russian men could be satisfied with a silver, for their fifth volleyball medal in the last six Olympic Games. Russia's Finnish head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo paid tribute to his French counterpart.
"I want to point out that Laurent Tillie is a great man because he is leading as a coach and has done something not only for French volleyball but also for world volleyball," he said. "So, all the best to (Laurent). I believe we will be meeting in the future."
ROC players celebrate a point during their men's volleyball final defeat to France. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)
Argentina also caused a surprise by outlasting world No. 1 Brazil 3-2 to win the bronze medal. It was the country's second Olympic medal in volleyball, after also beating Brazil in the bronze medal match at Seoul in 1988.
The USA women, who had lost to Brazil in the Olympic final twice in a row at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, finally reached the top of the podium after sweeping Brazil 25-21, 25-20 and 25-14 in Sunday's final. With this stunning victory, the women's Volleyball Nations League winners snapped Brazil's seven-game winning streak at these Games.
Karch Kiraly, who became the second person to win Olympic volleyball gold medal as both player and coach, attributed the Americans' victory to two particular attributes.
"I'll use two words: 'Grit' and 'grind'. They have this fierce, strong spirit and an ability to keep trying when things are hard," he said. "Those two g-words were certainly a part of who we were here. Grit and grind."
Members of Team USA celebrate after winning the women's volleyball final. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng)
The first person to win Olympic volleyball gold medal both as player and coach is Jenny Lang Ping, but under her guidance, Rio 2016 champions China surprisingly crashed out of the quarterfinals after losing their first three preliminary matches in a row against Turkey, the United States and the Russian Olympic Committee.
"I take all the blame as I'm the head coach. When facing difficulties, I could not find a solution and lead the team out of the trap," said Lang.
China head coach Lang Ping throws a ball before her team's women's volleyball preliminary match against Argentina on Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)
Five years after suffering a disappointing loss to China in the quarterfinals at Rio on home soil, traditional powerhouse Brazil rose up again as they reaped seven consecutive wins on the way to the final. Despite Sunday's lopsided loss to the United States, the Brazilian women collected their fifth medal in the last six Olympic Games.
"Our team, when we arrived in Tokyo, no one believed we could take part in the quarterfinals. This year we resumed our work that was halted because of the pandemic, and our team had to climb against the best and we found ourselves in a final with the U.S.. The only thing is that we had the potential to have a better performance," said Brazil's head coach Jose Roberto Guimaraes.
Roundup: Surprises and dreams come true for China's athletics at Tokyo 2020
Su Bingtian of China reacts after the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
As the Tokyo Olympics comes to an end, China's athletics has brought suprises and made breakthroughs at Tokyo 2020.
TOKYO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- The athletics competition lowered the curtain after 10 days of surprises and dreams came true for China's athletics at Tokyo Olympics on Sunday.
The biggest surprise came from sprint events. China's top sprinter Su Bingtian reached into men's 100m final as he dashed to 9.83 seconds in the semifinal, setting a new Asian record.
The 32-year-old thus became the first Chinese sprinter to qualify for the Olympics men's 100m final, which he ranked sixth in 9.98, the best ever result for an Asian sprinter.
Su Bingtian (1st R) and Wu Zhiqiang (3rd R) of China compete during the Men's 4x100m Heat at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
"I was in my best form today. Maybe I couldn't achieve a 9.83 sprint anymore. Today will be the best memory of my life," Su said. "It's all about overcoming myself. When I saw the result of 9.83 seconds, I couldn't believe it."
With his leading, men's 4x100m relay squads just fell short of the podium for the second Olympic Games in a row after Rio 2016, finishing fourth with 37.79 seconds that tied the national record. The women's team achieved the best ranking ever by finishing sixth with 42.71 seconds in their first appearance in the final since Sydney 2000.
Gong Lijiao of China reacts during the awarding ceremony of the Women's Shot Put at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
As for shot putter Gong Lijiao, Tokyo was the place where her long-waited dream came into reality. Competing in her fourth Olympic Games, Gong Lijiao finally stood on the podium for the first time and on top of it.
"Becoming an Olympic champion was like a dream come true. I have imagined it a million times," said Gong, who set her personal best twice in the final, throwing 20.53 meters in the fifth round and 20.58m in her sixth attempt.
Wang Zheng of China celebrates after the Women's Hammer Throw Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
In the women's hammer throw final, Wang Zheng's last attempt won her a silver medal.
"Before the last throw, I came to realize it could be my last shot at the Olympics because I may retire soon, so I calmed down in a bid to show my best," said the 33-year-old veteran.
Dreams are realized not only for veterans but for young athletes.
Liu Shiying of China competes during the Women's Javelin Throw Qualification at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Chinese athletics team achieved another breakthrough with Liu Shiying delivering Asia's first gold medal in women's javelin throw.
Liu only made two successful attempts but her powerful first throw of 66.34 meters was enough to secure her historic victory.
"I feel surprised to win the gold medal, but I think it could be attributed to my good state of mind today," said the 27-year-old after the competition.
Silver medalist Zhu Yaming of China reacts on the awarding ceremony of the men's triple jump at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Another surprise for Team China is Zhu Yaming, who produced his personal best jump twice to win a silver medal with 17.57 meters in the men's triple jump final, an improvement from the bronze that China won at Rio 2016.
"Young people should have dreams and should try to overcome every obstacle on the journey to pursue the dreams. Fortunately, I succeed," said the first-time Olympian.
Wang Chunyu (front) of China competes during the women's 800m semi-final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, July 31, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
For Wang Chunyu, the first Chinese athlete who qualified for the women's 800m final, her Olympic journey was a bitter-sweet experience. The 26-year-old finished fifth and improved her personal best by more than two seconds in women's 800m final.
"Maybe nobody would have believed that I could finish 5th in the Olympics, I have proved my ability. But it remains a great regret for me for failing to make the podium. Maybe it's because I am still not good enough, but I believe I could make up the gap by hard training. I believe I can win, it won't be long," Wang said.
Liu Hong of China celebrates after the women's 20km race walk final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Guo Chen)
China suffered an upset in women's 20km race walk where world record holder Yang Jiayu and defending champion Liu Hong failed to stop Italian Antonella Palmisano from winning the gold. Yang suffered a penalty toward the end of the race while Liu managed to bring home the bronze medal.
In 10 days of competition, three world records were broken at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium. U.S. runner Sydney McLaughlin finished the women's 400m hurdles in 51.46 seconds, 0.44 seconds faster than the previous world record set by herself.
Karsten Warholm of Norway competes during the Men's 400m Hurdles Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Coming into the race as the favorite after breaking the 29-year-old world record a month ago, Karsten Warholm of Norway reset his own world record to 45.94 seconds from 46.70.
Venezuela's Yulimar Rojas set a world record of 15.67m to win gold in the women's triple jump.
Italian sprinter Lamont Marcell Jacobs claimed the title of "world's fastest man" by winning the first Olympic men's 100m final since the retirement of Jamaican legend Usain Bolt. Jacobs crossed the finish line first in 9.80 seconds for a new European record.
Allyson Felix of the United States competes during the Women's 4x400m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Meanwhile, Allyson Felix became the most decorated female track and field athlete in Olympic history with 11 medals, after winning gold in the 4x400m relay and bronze in the individual 400m. The 35-year-old American, who has attended five consecutive Olympic Games, has seven gold medals to her name.
One of the most heart-warming moments of the Games came in the men's high jump when Qatar's Mutaz Barshim and Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi - friends and rivals who battled the same career - decided to share the gold.
France wins women's handball gold at Tokyo Olympics
Laura Flippes (1st R) of France attacks during the women's handball gold medal match between France and ROC at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
TOKYO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- France beat the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) team 30-25 in the women's handball final here on Sunday, avenging their final defeat in Rio.
France won both halves 25-12 and 25-13 to secure the eventual victory, thanks to Pauletta Foppa, who scored in all her seven shots. Allison Pineau also contributed seven goals.
Polina Vedekhina scored seven goals for ROC.
Rio bronze medalist Norway stood on the podium again after defeating Sweden 36-19 in the bronze medal match. Enditem
Estelle Nze Minko (C) of France attacks during the women's handball gold medal match between France and ROC at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
Estelle Nze Minko (R) of France attacks during the women's handball gold medal match between France and ROC at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
Grace Zaadi Deuna (L front) of France attacks during the women's handball gold medal match between France and ROC at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
Oceane Sercien Ugolin (top) of France competes during the women's handball gold medal match between France and ROC at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Alexey Alekseev (1st L), head coach of ROC reacts during the women's handball gold medal match between France and ROC at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Kseniia Makeeva (2nd L) of ROC competes during the women's handball gold medal match between France and ROC at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Amandine Leynaud of France celebrates during the women's handball gold medal match between France and ROC at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
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U.S. win gold as usual, new blood coming in Olympic basketball
Gold medalists of Team USA pose for a photo on the women's basketball awarding ceremony at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
By Sportswriters Shan Lei, Li Bowen, Ma Kai
TOKYO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United States won both the men's and women's basketball gold medals, as expected, while the basketball world welcomes new blood to expand its influence.
Team USA beat France 87-82 against all adversity to win its fourth consecutive Olympic gold while their women's counterpart defeated Japan 90-75 for its seventh straight title at the Olympics.
In one of the hardest championship finals in its history, the U.S. fought back several surge-ups from France to maintain the victory for the once "Dream Team".
Losing to France in the opener of the Games and two losses during the exhibition games, the U.S. faced a tonne of doubt about the chemistry of the squad and the commitment to the national duty.
Without top stars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant was the one to go when the U.S. had trouble.
Durant averaged 20.2 points to lead his team for the title.
"The relationships he builds with teammates, the respect he garners, the joy he has in playing is like osmosis. It goes into all the other players. That sort of love of the game and of people is what makes him more special than as a player," U.S. head coach Gregg Popovich said when talking about Durant.
Unlike the men's team, the U.S. women stamped their superiority with another dominating victory in the Olympic finals.
From the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta to the 2016 Games in Rio, the U.S.' narrowest gold medal match-winning margin was an 11-point victory over Australia in 2004. Otherwise, they have won every Olympic final by more than 20 points.
They have won nine gold medals in the past 10 Olympics, with the only "blemishes" on their record, a bronze medal in 1992 after a semifinal defeat to the Unified Team.
Besides the dominating U.S. teams, Japan, Slovenia and China had come up with some eye-opening performances in the tournament.
The Japanese women's team finished with the first medal in its history after losing to the U.S. in the finals.
The silver medal is the best result for the host Japan, whose previous best, fifth placing, came from the 1976 Montreal in Canada. It also ties the best Olympic result in Asian women's basketball as the second place as China won the silver medal in 1992.
The Chinese women's team won all three matches in the group phase and topped the chart of 12 teams, even edging off the U.S. to second place by points difference.
But the young and inexperienced Chinese stopped in the quarterfinals as they lost to Serbia and did not make history with the talented and promising squad.
First-timer Slovenia also stormed into the men's semi-finals after finishing first in its group, only losing to France 90-89 to finish fourth in the tournament.
Slovenia's top star Luka Doncic scored the Olympic second-best 48 points in the opener, averaging 23.8 points - third in the Tokyo Olympics, 9.7 rebounds (2nd) and 9.5 assists (1st).
Both China and Slovenia had shots to medal finishing in Tokyo and the door is open to more teams to grab the top honor. Enditem
Gold medalists of Team USA pose for a photo on the women's basketball awarding ceremony at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
U.S. sweep Brazil to win their first women's volleyball Olympic gold
?Members of Team USA react during the awarding ceremony of the women's volleyball at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)
TOKYO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United States swept Brazil 3-0 in the women's volleyball final here on Sunday to win their first Olympic gold medal.
The American women, who had lost to Brazil in the Olympic final twice in a row at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, were finally crowned after beating Brazil 25-21, 25-20 and 25-14.
Having swept Serbia 3-0 in Friday's semifinals, the United States jumped to a 15-11 lead in the first set. After Brazil pulled within 15-14, the Americans pulled away again on back of two spikes of Jordan Larson and two errors of Brazil, and held on for the victory in the opener.
In the middle of the second set, the United States staged an amazing 8-1 run for an 18-9 lead. Brazil fought hard to cut their deficit to 22-19, but that's the closest they could go. In the third set, the American women raced to a 17-9 lead and never looked back.
Andrea Drews led the United States with 15 points with Michelle Bartsch-Hackley and Larson adding 14 and 12 respectively.
Playing without Tandara Caixeta, who had been provisionally suspended for potential anti-doping rule violation, Brazil was led by Fernanda Rodrigues' 11 points. Enditem
Haleigh Washington (L) of Team USA reacts on the awarding ceremony of the women's volleyball at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)
Haleigh Washington of Team USA reacts on the podium during the awarding ceremony of the women's volleyball at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)
Haleigh Washington (L) of Team USA reacts on the podium during the awarding ceremony of the women's volleyball at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)
Members of Team USA react on the awarding ceremony of the women's volleyball at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)
Members of Team USA pose for a photo on the podium during the awarding ceremony of the women's volleyball at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)
Roundup: U.S. win gold as usual, new blood coming in Olympic basketball
Players of the United States pose with gold medals after the awarding ceremony for the men's basketball at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
Basketball roundup: The U.S. swept both men's and women's gold as expected, while new blood coming in Olympic basketball as well.
By Sportswriters Shan Lei, Li Bowen, Ma Kai
TOKYO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United States won both the men's and women's basketball gold medals, as expected, while the basketball world welcomes new blood to expand its influence.
Team USA beat France 87-82 against all adversity to win its fourth consecutive Olympic gold while their women's counterpart defeated Japan 90-75 for its seventh straight title at the Olympics.
In one of the hardest championship finals in its history, the U.S. fought back several surge-ups from France to maintain the victory for the once "Dream Team".
Evan Fournier (2nd R) of France breaks through during the men's basketball preliminary round Group A match between the United States and France at the Tokyo Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, on July 25, 2021. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Losing to France in the opener of the Games and two losses during the exhibition games, the U.S. faced a tonne of doubt about the chemistry of the squad and the commitment to the national duty.
Without top stars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant was the one to go when the U.S. had trouble.
Kevin Durant (C) of the United States competes during the men's basketball final between the United States and France at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
Durant averaged 20.2 points to lead his team for the title.
"The relationships he builds with teammates, the respect he garners, the joy he has in playing is like osmosis. It goes into all the other players. That sort of love of the game and of people is what makes him more special than as a player," U.S. head coach Gregg Popovich said when talking about Durant.
A'ja Wilson (L) of the United States goes for a layup during the women's basketball final between the United States and Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Unlike the men's team, the U.S. women stamped their superiority with another dominating victory in the Olympic finals.
From the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta to the 2016 Games in Rio, the U.S.' narrowest gold medal match-winning margin was an 11-point victory over Australia in 2004. Otherwise, they have won every Olympic final by more than 20 points.
They have won nine gold medals in the past 10 Olympics, with the only "blemishes" on their record, a bronze medal in 1992 after a semifinal defeat to the Unified Team.
Team Japan react after the women's basketball final between the United States and Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
Besides the dominating U.S. teams, Japan, Slovenia and China had come up with some eye-opening performances in the tournament.
The Japanese women's team finished with the first medal in its history after losing to the U.S. in the finals.
The silver medal is the best result for the host Japan, whose previous best, fifth placing, came from the 1976 Montreal in Canada. It also ties the best Olympic result in Asian women's basketball as the second place as China won the silver medal in 1992.
Shao Ting (2nd R) of China goes for a layup during the women's basketball quarterfinal match between China and Serbia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
The Chinese women's team won all three matches in the group phase and topped the chart of 12 teams, even edging off the U.S. to second place by points difference.
But the young and inexperienced Chinese stopped in the quarterfinals as they lost to Serbia and did not make history with the talented and promising squad.
Luka Doncic (R) of Slovenia competes during the men's basketball bronze medal match between Slovenia and Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
First-timer Slovenia also stormed into the men's semi-finals after finishing first in its group, only losing to France 90-89 to finish fourth in the tournament.
Slovenia's top star Luka Doncic scored the Olympic second-best 48 points in the opener, averaging 23.8 points - third in the Tokyo Olympics, 9.7 rebounds (2nd) and 9.5 assists (1st).
Both China and Slovenia had shots to medal finishing in Tokyo and the door is open to more teams to grab the top honor.
Bulgaria claims rhythmic gymnastics group all-around title at Tokyo 2020
Team Bulgaria pose for photo at the awarding ceremony of the group all-around of rhythmic gymnastics at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
TOKYO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria snatches gold in rhythmic gymnastics group all-around at Tokyo 2020 on Sunday.
The Bulgarian team topped the competition in 92.100 points, followed by defending champion Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) in 90.700 points. Italy took bronze in 87.700 points.
The Bulgarian squad, consisting of Simona Dyankova, Stefani Kiryakova, Madlen Radukanova, Laura Traets and Erika Zafirova, finished the first in qualification and topped both rotations in the final.
In the first rotation of five balls, the Bulgarian gymnasts led the competition in a high of 38.800 points. Their scores for both difficulty and execution were unparalleled.
They managed to extend their advantage in the second rotation with a 36.200-difficulty routine in three hoops and two clubs, slightly surpassing the ROC team by a margin of 0.050 points.
The ROC gymnasts, the second qualifying team, performed the last on the arena and placed second in both rotations. They submitted an inquiry for their three hoops and two clubs and received a 0.300 addition but it was not enough to upset their Bulgarian contenders.
Russia had been dominating the group all-around event in rhythmic gymnastics, winning five consecutive Olympic gold medals.
The Chinese team finished the fourth in 84.550 points. Enditem
Team Bulgaria compete during the group all-around final of rhythmic gymnastics at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Team Bulgaria compete during the group all-around final of rhythmic gymnastics at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Team Bulgaria pose for photo at the awarding ceremony of the group all-around of rhythmic gymnastics at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Team Bulgaria compete during the group all-around final of rhythmic gymnastics at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
U.S. defends Olympic women's basketball title again
TOKYO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United States successfully defended its Olympic title again by beating Japan 90-75 in the women's basketball competition here on Sunday.
This is the seventh consecutive Olympic championship for the U.S. since 1996. The U.S. won nine gold medals in the past 10 Olympic Games dated back in 1984.
The silver medal is also the best result for the host Japan, whose previous best, 5th placing, came from the 1976 Montreal in Canada. It also ties the best Olympic result in Asian women's basketball as the second place as China won the silver medal in 1992. Enditem
British cyclist Kenny wins men's keirin at Tokyo Olympics
Jason Kenny of Britain is seen during the awarding ceremony for the cycling track men's keirin final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Izu, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)
TOKYO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- British cyclist Jason Kenny won the men's keirin at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Sunday.
Kenny dominated the field and made a decisive move in the last lap to take the gold, beating Mohd Azizulhasni Awang of Malaysia to the second place.
Harrie Lavreysen of the Netherlands had to settle for bronze. Enditem?
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Jason Kenny (L) of Britain competes during the cycling track men's keirin final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Izu, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)
Mitchell of Canada wins cycling track women's sprint at Tokyo Olympics
Kelsey Mitchell (L) of Canada competes during the cycling track women's sprint finals at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Izu, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/He Changshan)
TOKYO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Kelsey Mitchell of Canada won the cycling track women's sprint at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Sunday.
Mitchell took the gold by defeating Olena Starikova of Ukraine after dominating the first and second races in the final.
Lee Wai Sze of Hong Kong, China grabbed the bronze medal by beating Emma Hinze of Germany. Enditem
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Kelsey Mitchell (C) of Canada poses with Olena Starikova of Ukraine and Lee Wai Sze of China's Hong Kong during the awarding ceremony for the cycling track women's sprint finals at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Izu, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)
Kelsey Mitchell of Canada celebrates after the cycling track women's sprint finals at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Izu, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/He Changshan)
Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge wins men's marathon gold medal at Tokyo Olympics
Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya celebrates after the men's marathon final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
TOKYO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya won the men's marathon gold medal in a time of 2:08:38 at the Tokyo Olympic Games on Sunday.
Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands took the silver medal while Abdi Bashir from Belgium completed the podium. Enditem
Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya celebrates after the men's marathon final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Eliud Kipchoge (C) of Kenya competes during the men's marathon final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Guo Chen)
Australia claims men and France wins women Olympic basketball bronze
Team France celebrate after the women's basketball bronze medal match between Serbia and France at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Australia smashed Slovenia 107-93 and France overwhelmed Serbia 91-76 for the bronze medal in men and women's basketball at the Olympics here on Saturday.
Patty Mills had a game-high 42 points and nine assists. Joe Ingles added 16 points. Jock Landale finished with 14. Luka Doncic led Slovenia with 22 points. Klemen Prepelic contributed 18 points. Mike Tobey added 13.
Slovenia led 35-34 in the second quarter before Australia had a 11-0 run to turn the game around on 45-35. Slovenia cut the deficit to three points in the fourth quarter before Australia stormed another 10-0 run and never looked back.
In the women's session, Gabby Williams led France with 17 points. Endene Miyem added 16 points and Sandrine Gruda contributed 14.
"It's the Olympics. I don't know how to describe it but it's the biggest stage in the world and it's so much emotion. There's only one shot at the Tokyo Olympics, this will never happen again." Williams said after the game.
Yvonne Anderson had a game-high 24 points for Serbia, followed by 14 from Jelena Brooks.
Serbia took the lead on 23-19 in the first quarter before France had a 6-0 run to storm back on 43-40 at the break. With a 9-1 sprint in the third quarter, France entered the final quarter on 67-56. France expanded the advantage to 19 points with a 8-0 run to put the game beyond reach. Enditem
Egypt's Abdelaziz wins karate women's kumite +61kg gold at Tokyo Olympics
Gold medalist Feryal Abdelaziz (2nd L) of Egypt, silver medalist Iryna Zaretska (1st L) of Azerbaijan, bronze medalists Gong Li (1st R) of China and Sofya Berultseva of Kazakhstan pose during the awarding ceremony of the women's kumite +61kg of karate at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian karateka Feryal Abdelaziz claimed the gold medal in the women's kumite +61kg at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Saturday.
Abdelaziz beat Iryna Zaretska from Azerbaijan 2-0 in the final.
Gong Li from China and Sofya Berultseva of Kazakhstan shared the bronze medals. Enditem
Mariya Lasitskene of ROC claims women's high jump title at Tokyo Olympics
?Mariya Lasitskene of Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) competes during the women's high jump final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Mariya Lasitskene of ROC claimed women's high jump title at Tokyo Olympics on Saturday, she succeeded in 2.04 meters in her second attempt.
Nicola McDermott of Australia failed to conquer 2.04m, had to settle for a silver with 2.02m, Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Ukraine took bronze with 2.00m. Enditem
Mariya Lasitskene of Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) celebrates after winning the women's high jump final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Nicola McDermott (L) of Australia, Mariya Lasitskene (C) of Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Ukraine celebrate after the women's high jump final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Gold medalist Mariya Lasitskene (C) of ROC, silver medalist Nicola McDermott (L) of Australia and bronze medalist Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Ukraine react during the awarding ceremony of the Women's High Jump at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Japan's Susaki wins women's 50kg freestyle wrestling gold at Tokyo Olympics
Susaki Yui (C) of Japan celebrates after winning the wrestling women's freestyle 50kg gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Chiba, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo)
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Home favorite Yui Susaki upset China's Sun Yanan in the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling final 10-0 to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday.
Susaki, the two-time world championship gold medallist and also the flag bearer for the Japanese team at the Games' opening ceremony, got Sun on the mat early and finished the tussle in the first period.
With the victory, Japan has become the most successful nation in wrestling competition at their home games with seven medals, including five golds.
Sun, the bronze medallist of Rio Games, settled for the silver.
Mariya Stadnik of Azerbaijan, who finished on the podium at each of the past three Games all in the 48 kg event, became the first athlete representing her country to collect more than three Olympic medals by sharing the bronze with American Sarah Ann Hilderbrandt. Enditem
Susaki Yui (R) of Japan competes with Sun Yanan of China during the wrestling women's freestyle 50kg gold medal match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Chiba, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo)
Iran's Ganjzadeh claims Olympic karate men's kumite +75kg gold
?Daniel Gaysinsky of Canada (R) and Sajad Ganjzadeh of Iran compete during the men's kumite +75kg elimination round of karate at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Sajad Ganjzadeh from Iran pocketed karate men's kumite +75kg gold medal of the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Saturday.
Ganjzadeh defeated Tareg Hamedi from Saudi Arabia 4-0 in the gold medal bout.
The bronze medal went to host Japan's karateka Ryutaro Araga and Ugur Aktas from Turkey. Enditem
Daniel Gaysinsky of Canada (R) and Sajad Ganjzadeh of Iran compete during the men's kumite +75kg elimination round of karate at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
Javelin thrower Chopra wins India's first gold medal at Tokyo Olympics
Neeraj Chopra of India celebrates after winning the men's javelin throw final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Neeraj Chopra won the men's javelin throw final here on Saturday to give India its first gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Chopra won the competition with a best throw of 87.58m in his second attempt. It is also India's first-ever Olympic gold in athletics.
Two Czechs, Jakub Vadlejch (86.67) and Vitezslav Vesely (85.44), win silver and bronze. Enditem
ROC's Sadulaev wins wrestling men's freestyle 97 kg gold at Tokyo Olympics
Abdulrashid Sadulaev (L) of ROC combats with Kyle Frederick Snyder of the United States during the wrestling men's freestyle 97kg final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Chiba, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo)
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Wrestler Abdulrashid Sadulaev clinched the gold medal of the men's freestyle 97 kg for the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) after beating defending champion Kyle Frederick Snyder ot the United States 6-3 on Saturday at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
In the third meeting between these two all-time great wrestlers, it is the four-time world champion Sadulaev who came out on top.
Reineris Salas Perez of Cuba and Abraham Cosyedo of Italy shared the bronze medal. Enditem
American Korda wins Tokyo Olympic women's golf gold
Nelly Korda of the United States celebrates after the women's individual stroke play 4th round of golf at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
U.S. golfer Nelly Korda clinched gold with 17-under-par 267 at Tokyo Olympics.
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- World No.1 American Nelly Korda won women's golf gold at Tokyo Olympics with 17-under-par 267 on Saturday, at Kasumigaseki Country Club in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture.
"This is super special. Being Olympian is already special itself and being gold medalist is amazing," said Korda, who became the second American female golfer to win an Olympic gold medal, after Margaret Abbott in 1900.
China's Rio bronze medalist Feng Shanshan finished 11-under-par 273, ranking eighth and her compatriot Lin Xiyu came joint ninth with 10-under-par 274.
Feng caught five birdies and suffered one bogey to finish the final round at four-under-par.
"I didn't have a great start to the tournament. But in the last three days, I played like a champion. Even when I was behind after the first round, I really did my best and came back." Feng said.
Feng Shanshan of China competes during the women's individual stroke play 4th round of golf at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
"There is no regret because this is golf," she continued. "Playing 18 holes is like living a life with ups and downs and all the uncertainties. You are always trying to be better and this is why I love golf so much. It helps me become a better person."
"This is my last Olympics and I really enjoyed it. I hope I can see more Chinese faces getting on the tour and on the top of the leaderboard," the former world No.1 said.
Lin Xiyu of China competes during the women's individual stroke play 4th round of golf at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
The other Chinese golfer Lin had a strong finish with two birdies on holes 17 and 18, completing her second Olympic tournament with three-under-par in the final round.
"I had aimed for a medal but didn't achieve the goal. However, it's still a fruitful tour for me to finish top 10, a big improvement than last time in Rio," Lin said. "I will keep working hard to improve myself and hopefully I can play in Paris Olympics for a better result."
Japan's Mone Inami clinched the silver after a hole-by-hole play-off against New Zealand's Lydia Ko, who grabbed the bronze medal. With her silver in women's golf in 2016, Ko became the first woman to win two Olympic medals in golf.
Brazilian boxer Sousa wins men's middle gold at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Hebert Sousa of Brazil enjoyed a knockout victory over top seed Oleksandr Khyzhniak of Ukraine to win the Olympic gold in the men's middle division here on Saturday.
The 23-year-old let out roars after the KO, repeatedly shooting "Brazil" in front of the camera.
This is the first boxing gold for the South American country at Tokyo 2020, following Abner Teixeira's bronze in men's heavy.
An aggreseive Khyzhniak earned 10-9 favorable scores from all five judges in the first two rounds but Sousa unleased a heavy punch that knocked Khyzhniak on the ground one minute and 29 seconds from time.
Russian Gleb Bakshi, the reigning world champion, and world silver medalist Eumir Marcial of the Philippines shared the bronze. Enditem
U.S. wins 4th consecutive Olympic men's basketball gold medal
Kevin Durant (R) of the United States competes during the men's basketball final between the United States and France at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United States edged off France 87-82 on Saturday to successfully defend the Olympic gold medal of the men's basketball tournament.
Thanks to Kevin Durant's 29 points, the U.S. put back waves of comebacks of France when they led as many as 14 points, but let France close to three points a couple of times.
The U.S. trailed 12-6 at the beginning after missing the first eight 3-pointers, and Durant's first 3-pointer tied it by 15-15.
Leading by 22-18 in the first quarter, the U.S. cruised to 39-26 and kept the advantage to a 44-39 first half.
Durant, who scored 21 points in the first half, put the U.S. ahead by 56-45 with a 3-pointer midway into the third quarter, and he waved and yelled after that shot.
France, which beat the U.S. 83-76 in the opener of the preliminary round, trailed by 14 points, but two consecutive 3-pointers, including a buzzer-beating one from Nicolas Batum cut the lead to 71-63 in the third quarter.
France narrowed the gap to 73-70, but a 9-2 run gave the U.S. a 10-point lead again. France came back again on 85-82 with 10.2 seconds left, before Durant made both free-throws for good.
Evan Fournier and Rudy Gobert scored 16 points each for France. Enditem
Rudy Gobert (C) of France competes during the men's basketball final between the United States and France at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
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Steve Kerr, assistant coach of the United States celebrates after the men's basketball final between the United States and France at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
Bam Adebayo of the United States celebrates after the men's basketball final between the United States and France at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
Members of Team USA celebrate victory after the men's basketball final between the United States and France at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
Jayson Tatum (R) of the United States vies for a rebound during the men's basketball final between the United States and France at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
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American Korda wins women's golf gold at Tokyo Olympics
Nelly Korda of the United States competes during the women's individual stroke play 4th round of golf at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 American Nelly Korda won women's golf gold at the Tokyo Olympics with 17-under-par 267 at Kasumigaseki Country Club on Saturday.
Japan's Mone Inami clinched the silver after a hole-by-hole play-off against New Zealand's Lydia Ko, who grabbed the bronze.
China's Rio 2016 bronze medalist Feng Shanshan finished 11-under-par 273, ranking eighth, and her compatriot Lin Xiyu came joint ninth with 10-under-par 274. Enditem
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Nelly Korda of the United States competes during the women's individual stroke play 4th round of golf at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
Bulgarian boxer Krasteva wins women's fly gold at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Stoyka Zhelyazkova Krasteva of Bulgaria beat Buse Naz Cakiroglu of Turkey to win the women's fly gold here on Saturday.
The 35-year-old won the bout on a unanimous decision 5-0 to win the first boxing medal for Bulgaria at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Huang Hsiao-Wen of Chinese Taipei and Tsukimi Namiki of Japan completed the podium line-up. Enditem
British boxer Yafai wins men's fly gold at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Galal Yafai of Britain beat Carlo Paalam of the Philippines in the men's fly division final to win the first boxing gold for his country at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Saturday.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist won the bout on a split decision 4-1.
Winning the first round on 10-9 favorable scores from all five judges, and four of them in the second, 28-year-old managed to withstand punches from his younger opponent in the final round to win his first Olympic gold in his second appearance.
Japan's Ryomei Tanaka and Kazakstan's Saken Bibossinov shared the bronze. Enditem
U.S. beat France to win men's basketball gold at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Kevin Durant scored 29 points to lead the United States to its fourth consecutive Olympic men's basketball gold at Tokyo 2020 on Saturday.
Winning at 87-82, Team USA avenged its defeat to France in the opener of the preliminary round.
Evan Fournier and Rudy Gobert scored 16 points each for France, which almost turned the table around down the stretch after trailing as many as 14 points. Enditem
China wins women's canoe double 500m gold at Tokyo Olympics
Xu Shixiao (L)/Sun Mengya of China compete during the women's canoe double 500m semifinal of canoe sprint at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua)
TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- China's Xu Shixiao and Sun Mengya claimed the women's canoe double 500m gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Saturday, which is China's first Olympic medal in women's canoe sprint.
World champions Xu and Sun, who set Olympic best time on Friday, refreshed their own mark at one minute and 55.495 seconds for their maiden Olympic title.
Liudmyla Luzan/Anastasiia Chetverikova of Ukraine, the reigning European champions, came second in 1:57.499.
Two-time world champions Laurence Vincent-Lapointe/Katie Vincent of Canada took the bronze in 1:59.041. Enditem
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Xu Shixiao (front, L)/Sun Mengya (front, R) of China compete during the women's canoe double 500m semifinal of canoe sprint at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua)
Xu Shixiao (L)/Sun Mengya of China pose during the awarding ceremony for the canoe sprint women's canoe double 500m event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Xu Shixiao (R)/Sun Mengya of China celebrate winning the canoe sprint women's canoe double 500m final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
China's Liu Shiying wins China's first Olympic women's javelin gold at Tokyo 2020
?Liu Shiying of China reacts during the women's javelin throw final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Liu Shiying of China made a powerful throw of 66.34 meters at her first attempt to deliver the first women's javelin throw gold medal for China at the Tokyo Olympics here on Friday.
Liu only made two successful attempts but that was enough to secure her historic victory.
Poland's Maria Andrejczyk won silver with 64.61 meters while bronze went to Australia's Kelsey-Lee Barber with 64.56 meters.
Liu's teammate Lyu Huihui ranked fifth with 63.41 meters. Enditem
Liu Shiying of China reacts during the women's javelin throw final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Liu Shiying of China competes during the women's javelin throw final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Liu Shiying of China competes during the women's javelin throw final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Liu Shiying of China reacts during the women's javelin throw final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Liu Shiying of China reacts during the women's javelin throw final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Liu Shiying of China celebrates after winning the women's javelin throw final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Liu Shiying of China celebrates after winning the women's javelin throw final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Liu Shiying of China reacts before the women's javelin throw final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Liu Shiying of China celebrates after winning the women's javelin throw final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Liu Shiying of China celebrates after winning the women's javelin throw final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Busa crowned in karate men's kumite -75kg at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Luigi Busa from Italy claimed the karate men's kumite -75kg gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Friday.
The Italian beat Rafael Aghayev from Azerbaijan 1-0 in the final.
Stanislav Horuna from Ukraine and Karoly Gabor Harspataki of Hungary shared the bronze medals. Enditem
Kenya's Faith Kipyegon wins women's 1,500m gold at Tokyo Olympics
?Faith Kipyegon (L) of Kenya and Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands compete during the Women's 1500m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Faith Kipyegon wins women's 1,500m gold with new Olympic record of three minutes and 53.11 seconds at Tokyo 2020 on Friday.
Kipyegon surpassed Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands in the last lap, Laura Muir of Britain claimed a silver with 3:54.50, Hassan took bronze with 3:55.86.
Hassan won women's 5,000m gold on Monday, she will compete in women's 10,000m on Saturday. Enditem
Faith Kipyegon of Kenya reacts after the Women's 1500m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Faith Kipyegon of Kenya reacts after the Women's 1500m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Faith Kipyegon of Kenya reacts after the Women's 1500m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
Faith Kipyegon of Kenya reacts after the Women's 1500m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Faith Kipyegon of Kenya reacts after the Women's 1500m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Serbia's Prekovic wins Karate women's kumite 61 kg gold at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Karateka Jovana Prekovic has made history to become the second woman representing Serbia to win an Olympic gold medal after defeating Yin Xiaoyan of China in the final of women's kumite 61 kg at the Tokyo Olympic Games on Friday night.
Prekovic, 25 won the tussle by Hantei 0-0 over Yin.
The bronze medals went to Merve Coban of Turkey and Giana Lotfy of Egypt. Enditem
Miller-Uibo retains women's 400m title at Tokyo Olympics
?Shaunae Miller-Uibo (3rd L) of Bahamas competes during the women's 400m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Shaunae Miller-Uibo of Bahamas retained her Olympic women's 400m title at the Tokyo Olympics here on Friday.
Miller-Uibo won the race with a comfortable lead in 48.36 seconds, ahead of Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, who took silver in 49.20. Allyson Felix gave the United States a bronze in 49.46. Enditem
Shaunae Miller-Uibo of Bahamas celebrates after winning the women's 400m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Shaunae Miller-Uibo of Bahamas celebrates after winning the women's 400m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
Shaunae Miller-Uibo of Bahamas celebrates after winning the women's 400m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
Chinese paddlers ease to fourth straight Olympic men's team gold
?Fan Zhendong of China celebrates during the table tennis men's team gold medal match between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's men's table tennis team defeated their German opponents to win the country's fourth consecutive gold medal in the sport at Tokyo 2020 here on Friday.
As their female counterparts had done on Friday, the Chinese men's team maintained its 100 percent win record in the event since its Olympic debut at Beijing 2008.
Ma Long, who also won the men's singles gold medal in Tokyo, paired with Xu Xin to dispatch the German duo of Patrick Franziska and Timo Boll in straight sets.
World No. 1 Fan Zhendong met great resistance before securing a full-set victory over Dimitrij Ovtcharov to move China further ahead.
Ma wrapped up China's gold medal after beating Boll 3-1.
Hosts Japan settled for a bronze after beating South Korea 3-1 earlier on Friday. Enditem
Coach Qin Zhijian (L) and player Xu Xin (C) of China talk with Fan Zhendong during the table tennis men's team gold medal match between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Dimitrij Ovtcharov of Germany serves during the table tennis men's team gold medal match between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Dimitrij Ovtcharov of Germany competes during the table tennis men's team gold medal match between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Fan Zhendong (R) of China competes agaisnt Dimitrij Ovtcharov of Germany during the table tennis men's team gold medal match between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Fan Zhendong of China competes during the table tennis men's team gold medal match between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Timo Boll of Germany reacts during the table tennis men's team gold medal match between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Coach Qin Zhijian (2nd R) and player Xu Xin (1st R) of China cheer for teammate during the table tennis men's team gold medal match between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Ma Long of China reacts during the table tennis men's team gold medal match between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Ma Long of China reacts during the table tennis men's team gold medal match between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Ma Long of China hits a return during the table tennis men's team gold medal match between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Japan's Mukaida wins women's 53kg freestyle wrestling gold at Tokyo Olympics
Gold medalist Mukaida Mayu (2nd L) of Japan, silver medalist Pang Qianyu (1st L) of China, bronze medalists Bolortuya Bat Ochir (1st R) of Mongolia and Vanesa Kaladzinskaya (2nd R) of Belarus pose after the awarding ceremony for wrestling women's freestyle 53kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Chiba, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo)
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Two-time world champion Mayu Mukaida of Japan rallied to defeat two-time world bronze medallist Pang Qianyu of China in the women's 53kg freestyle wrestling gold medal match at the Tokyo Olympics on Friday.
Pang took an early 4-0 lead in the first period, but the Japanese came back in the second, showing her experience and class by scoring five unanswered points to win 5-4 and claim the gold.
Bolortuya Bat Ochir of Mogolia and Vanesa Kaladzinskaya of Belarus shared the bronze medals. Enditem
?Pang Qianyu (R) of China competes with Mukaida Mayu of Japan during the wrestling women's freestyle 53kg final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Chiba, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo)
Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei wins men's 5,000m gold at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei clinched the title of men's 5,000m race with 12 minutes and 58.15 seconds on Friday at Tokyo 2020.
Cheptegei was the silver medalist of men's 10,000m at Tokyo Olympics.
Mohammed Ahmed of Canada finished second with 12:58.61, Paul Chelimo of the United States took bronze with 12:59.05. Enditem
Japanese karateka Kiyuna wins men's kata gold at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Karateka Ryo Kiyuna beat of Damian Quintero of Spain to win the gold medal of the men's kata at the Tokyo Olympics on Friday.
Kiyuna, the three-time world championships gold medallist and also a native of Okinawa, which is the home of the sport, won a total score of 28.72 points to overshadow Quintero's 27.66 points in the final bout.
Ariel Torres Gutierrez from the United States and Turk Ali Sofuoglu shared the bronze medals. Enditem
Netherlands claims women's hockey gold at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands bagged the women's hockey gold medal after going past Argentina 3-1 at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Friday.
All four goals arrived in the second quarter. Margot van Geffen moved the Netherlands ahead in the 23rd minute. Her teammate Caia Jacqueline van Maasakker added a double in the 26th and 29th minute.
Agustina Gorzelany pulled one back one minute later, but it was still unable to save Argentina from a defeat.
Earlier on Friday, Britain overcame India 4-3 in the bronze medal match. Enditem
Britain's French wins women's modern pentathlon gold at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Britain's Kate French produced a brilliant laser run to win the women's modern pentathlon gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics on Friday.
The Briton hit the front on the first leg, cleared all the shooting stops with ease, and never looked back.
Laura Asadauskaite of Lithuania came 15 seconds behind to take silver, with Sarolta Kovacs of Hungary 17 seconds further back in third. Enditem
Sidakov of ROC wins Olympic men's 74kg freestyle wrestling gold
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Zaurbek Sidakov of Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) won the men's 74kg freestyle wrestling gold medal after comfortably defeating Belarus's Mahamedkhabib Kadzimahamedau 7-0 in the final at the Tokyo Olympics.
In the bronze medal finals, Bekzod Abdurakhmonov of Uzbekistan and Kyle Dake of the United States were triumphant, with Dake handing Italian favorite Frank Chamizo a 5-0 defeat. Enditem
Dutch cyclist Lavreysen wins cycling track men's sprint at Tokyo Olympics
Gold medalist Harrie Lavreysen (R) and silver medalist Jeffrey Hoogland, both from the Netherlands celebrates during awarding ceremony fo cycling track men's sprint finals at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Izu, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Dutch cyclist Harrie Lavreysen won the cycling track men's sprint at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Friday.
The Dutch flying man took the gold after defeating his compatriot Jeffrey Hoogland 2-1 in the final races.
British rider Jack Carlin grabbed the bronze medal by beating Denis Dmitriev of Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). Enditem
Italian Palmisano wins women's 20km race walk gold at Tokyo Olympics
Antonella Palmisano of Italy reacts after reaching the finish line during the women's 20km race walk final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
SAPPORO, Japan, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Antonella Palmisano of Italy won her maiden international title after winning the women's 20m race walk gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Friday.
The 29-year-old was in a competition of her own in the closing kilometers, clocking one hour 29 minutes and 12 seconds for the gold.
Sandra Lorena Arenas became the third Colombian woman to achieve an Olympic medal in athletics with a silver, 25 seconds behind Palmisano.
China's defending champion Liu Hong took the bronze in 1:29:37. She becomes the first female race walker to win three Olympic medals, following her gold from Rio 2016 and bronze from London 2012. Enditem
?Athletes compete during the women's 20km race walk final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Qieyang Shijie (L) of China competes during the women's 20km race walk final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Qieyang Shijie (front, R) of China competes during the women's 20km race walk final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Liu Hong of China competes during the women's 20km race walk final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Athletes compete during the women's 20km race walk final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Liu Hong (C) of China reaches the finish line during the women's 20km race walk final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Antonella Palmisano of Italy reaches the finish line during the women's 20km race walk final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Japanese male paddlers take bronze at Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Hosts Japan claimed the third medal of table tennis at this Olympic Games after their men's team won 3-1 over archrivals South Korea here on Friday.
The bronze medal match could have been stretched to five games but Jun Mizutani made short work of South Korea's top male player Jang Woo-jin, 14-12, 11-9, 11-8 to wrap up the match in four games.
Mizutani, 32, has won Japan's first-ever Olympic table tennis gold before the team events got underway, partnering with Mima Ito to overcome China's pair Xu Xin/Liu Shiwen 4-3 in the mixed doubles final on July 26.
Ahead of the world No. 20's game, Japan was leading 2-1 after Mizutani/Koki Niwa beat Lee Sang-su/Jeoung Young-ski 3-1, Tomokazu Harimoto saw off Jang 3-1 and Niwa lost to Young 3-0.
The bronze medal of the Japanese men's team came overnight after their women's counterparts lost to the all-time leading Chinese 3-0 in the women's team final on Thursday evening.
China's male trio of Ma Long, Fan Zhendong and Xu Xin will vie to defend the table tennis powerhouses' men's team title against Germany's Timo Boll, Dimitrij Ovtcharov and Patrick Franziska later on Friday. Enditem
American Ross/Klineman win women's beach volleyball gold at Tokyo Olympics
Alix Klineman (L) of the United States blocks the ball during the women's beach volleyball gold medal match between April Ross/Alix Klineman of the United States and Mariafe Artacho del Solar/Taliqua Clancy of Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li He)
TOKYO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- April Ross and Alix Klineman of the United States claimed the women's beach volleyball gold after a straight set victory at the Shiokaze Park here on Friday.
The world silver medalists fended off Mariafe Artacho/Taliqua Clancy of Australia 21-15, 21-16 to win the 30th gold for the U.S. Olympic delegation.
The victory filled Ross' collection of a full set of Olympic medals after one silver from London 2012 and a bronze from Rio 2016.
Artacho and Clancy have enough reason to be proud of their silver, as they ousted world champions Sarah Pavan/Melissa Humana-Paredes of Canada in the quarterfinals.
Anouk Verge-Depre/Joana Heidrich of Switzerland completed the podium line-up when after they defeated Tina Graudina/Anastasija Kravcenoka of Latvia 21-19, 21-15 in the bronze medal match. Enditem
April Ross (L) and Alix Klineman of the United States pose during awarding ceremony after the women's beach volleyball gold medal match between April Ross/Alix Klineman of the United States and Mariafe Artacho del Solar/Taliqua Clancy of Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li He)
April Ross of the United States competes during the women's beach volleyball gold medal match between April Ross/Alix Klineman of the United States and Mariafe Artacho del Solar/Taliqua Clancy of Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li He)
April Ross (L) and Alix Klineman of the United States pose after the women's beach volleyball gold medal match between April Ross/Alix Klineman of the United States and Mariafe Artacho del Solar/Taliqua Clancy of Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li He)
April Ross (L) and Alix Klineman of the United States pose during awarding ceremony after the women's beach volleyball gold medal match between April Ross/Alix Klineman of the United States and Mariafe Artacho del Solar/Taliqua Clancy of Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li He)
Gold medalists of United States (C), silver medalists of Australia (L) and bronze medalists of Switzerland pose during the awarding ceremony after the women's beach volleyball gold medal match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li He)
Mariafe Artacho del Solar of Australia saves the ball during the women's beach volleyball gold medal match between the United States and Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Mariafe Artacho del Solar of Australia saves the ball during the women's beach volleyball gold medal match between the United States and Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Mariafe Artacho del Solar of Australia competes during the women's beach volleyball gold medal match between the United States and Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Mariafe Artacho del Solar of Australia saves the ball during the women's beach volleyball gold medal match between the United States and Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Warner breaks Olympic record to win decathlon gold at Tokyo Olympics
Athletes pose for photos after the Men's Decathlon 1500m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Chuanqi)
TOKYO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Damian Warner of Canada claimed the Olympic decathlon title at the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday.
He becomes only the fourth man in history to better 9,000 points as he finishes with an Olympic record 9,018.
France's Kevin Mayer, who set the world record of 9,126 points in 2018, earned the silver with 8,726, with bronze going to Australia's 21-year-old Ash Moloney on 8,649 - an Oceania record. Enditem
Damian Warner of Canada reacts after the Men's Decathlon 1500m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
Damian Warner (C) of Canada competes during the Men's Decathlon 1500m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Athletes pose for photos after the Men's Decathlon 1500m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Japanese Kawai reaps women's freestyle wrestling 57kg gold at Tokyo Games
Gold medalist Kawai Risako (2nd, L) of Japan, silver medalist Iryna Kurachkina (1st, L) of Belarus, bronze medalists Helen Louise Maroulis (2nd, R) of the United States and Evelina Georgieva Nikolova of Bulgaria pose for photos during the awarding ceremony of the wrestling women's freestyle 57kg event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Chiba, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo)
TOKYO, Aug. 5 Xinhua) -- Japanese Kawai Risako reaped the gold medal of the women's freestyle wrestling 57kg at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Thursday.
Kawai, who had won the women's freestyle 63kg at the Rio de Janeiro Games five years ago, beat Iryna Kurachkina from Belarus in the final for her second Olympic title.
Kurachkina took home the silver with the bronze medal going to Helen Louise Maroulis of the United States and Evelina Georgieva Nikolova from Bulgaria. Enditem
Walls claims Britian's first cycling track gold at Tokyo Olympics
?Matthew Walls of Great Britain celebrates after cycling track men's omnium points race at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Izu, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)
TOKYO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Matthew Walls claimed the first cycling track gold at Tokyo Olympics for Britain by winning the men's omnium here on Thursday.
Walls collected a total of 153 points to take the glory, beating Campbell Stewart of New Zealand to the second place in 129 points.
"It means a lot. It's pretty cool to be the first one to get the gold. It's been carnage basically, these Olympics, in the team pursuit especially." Walls said.
Elia Viviani of Italy snatched the bronze with 124 points.
As the men's omnium appearing just for the third time at the Olympics, the event features four races: the scratch, tempo (a new race for Tokyo 2020), the elimination and the points. Enditem
Cyclists compete during cycling track men's omnium points race at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Izu, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)
Cyclists compete during cycling track men's omnium points race at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Izu, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)
China wins fourth straight women's team gold in Olympic table tennis
?Coach Li Sun (L) and player Chen Meng of China cheer for teammate during the table tennis women's team gold medal match between China and Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
TOKYO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- China overcame hosts Japan in straight matches to claim its fourth consecutive title in the women's table tennis team competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Thursday.
Since the team event was introduced at the Beijing 2008 Games, China has been the only title-winning side in every edition of the Games.
Chen Meng and Wang Manyu came back from one set down to get past Kasumi Ishikawa and Miu Hirano 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7.
After their singles semifinals, Sun Yingsha once again upset local hopeful Mima Ito 11-8, 11-5, 3-11, 11-3.
Wang secured team China's title with an 11-5, 11-9, 11-3 win against Hirano.
Earlier on Thursday, China's Hong Kong claimed a bronze medal after upsetting Germany 3-1. Enditem
Chen Meng (L) and Wang Manyu of China compete during the table tennis women's team gold medal match between China and Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
Chen Meng (R) and Wang Manyu of China compete during the table tennis women's team gold medal match between China and Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
Hirano Miu (R) and Ishikawa Kasumi of Japan talk during the table tennis women's team gold medal match between China and Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
Ito Mima of Japan reacts during the table tennis women's team gold medal match between China and Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Sun Yingsha of China serves during the table tennis women's team gold medal match between China and Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Sun Yingsha of China hits a return during the table tennis women's team gold medal match between China and Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
Sun Yingsha of China celebrates during the table tennis women's team gold medal match between China and Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Coach Li Sun (C) and player Sun Yingsha (R) cheer for Wang Manyu of China during the table tennis women's team gold medal match between China and Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Wang Manyu of China celebrates during the table tennis women's team gold medal match between China and Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
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Nageotte wins women's pole vault gold at Tokyo Olympics
?Katie Nageotte of the United States competes during the Women's Pole Vault Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
TOKYO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Katie Nageotte of the United States won the women's pole vault gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games on Thursday.
Nageotte was the only vaulter who cleared the bar at 4.90m after Britain's Holly Bradshaw, defending champion Katerina Stefanidi of Greece, and world champion Anzhelika Sidorova of ROC all failed at that height.
Sidorova had one attempt at 4.95m, her world championships-winning height, but missed.
The silver went to Sidorova, and Bradshaw took the bronze. Enditem
Katie Nageotte of the United States celebrates after the Women's Pole Vault Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
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American Taylor clinches men's freestyle wrestling 86kg gold at Tokyo Games
David Morris Taylor III (L) of the United States celebrates after winning the wrestling men's freestyle 86kg final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Chiba, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo)
TOKYO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- David Morris Taylor of the United States clinched the gold medal of the men's freestyle wrestling 86kg at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games here on Thursday.
Taylor beat Iran's Hassan Yazdanicharati 4-3 for the title.
Yazdanicharati took home the silver with the bronze medals going to Artur Naifonov of the Russian Olympic Committee and Myles Nazem Amine from San Marino. Enditem
ROC's Uguev claims men's freestyle wrestling 57kg gold at Tokyo Games
Zavur Uguev of ROC celebrates after winning the gold medal of the wrestling men's freestyle 57kg event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Chiba, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo)
TOKYO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Zavur Uguev of the Russian Olympic Committee claimed the gold medal of the men's freestyle wrestling 57kg at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games here on Thursday.
Uguev beat India's Kumar Ravi 7-4 in the final for the title.
Ravi finished with the silver with the bronze medals going to Thomas Patrick Gilman of the United States and Nurislam Sanayev of Kazakhstan. Enditem
Italy's Stano wins men's 20km race walk at Tokyo Olympics
?Ikeda Koki (L front) and Yamanishi Toshikazu (C front) of Japan and Massimo Stano of Italy compete during the men's 20km race walk final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
TOKYO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Massimo Stano of Italy claimed the men's 20km race walk gold at the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday.
With the first athletics road race taking place in Sapporo, Stano gradually took the lead in the final kilometers and crossed the finish line first in 1 hour 21 minutes and 5 seconds.
Japan's Koki Ikeda finished second in 1:21:14, followed by his teammate and reigning world champion Toshikazu Yamanishi with 23 seconds behind Stano.
China's Wang Kaihua was in a solo lead after the halfway mark, but he failed to hold off the challenge from behind and eventually ranked seventh in 1:22:03.
Another Chinese walker Zhang Jun finished eighth in 1:22:16. Enditem
Massimo Stano (1st L) of Italy competes during the men's 20km race walk final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Quan leads 1-2 Chinese finish in women's 10m platform at Tokyo Olympics
Quan Hongchan of China competes during the women's 10m platform final of diving at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
TOKYO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese diver Quan Hongchan claimed her first gold medal with an overwhelming victory in the women's 10m platform event on Thursday, as she made her international competitive debut at the Tokyo Olympics at only 14.
After the five-round final, China witnessed a one-two finish, with Quan finishing first in 466.20 points, followed by her teammate Chen Yuxi in 425.40 points.
Quan, who is competing in her first Olympics, collected full mark in her three out of five dives, and led all the way to the end.
With the gold, China won the eighth Olympic gold medal in the women's 10m platform, and took all the golds in four women's diving events at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
Meanwhile, China claimed gold in all women's diving events in the past four Olympic Games.
Melissa Wu won Australia the bronze with 371.40 points. Enditem
Quan Hongchan of China competes during the women's 10m platform final of diving at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
Chen Yuxi of China reacts during the women's 10m platform final of diving at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
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China's women's and men's 4X100m relay squads secure final berth at Tokyo Olympics
Wu Zhiqiang (2nd R) of China competes during the Men's 4x100m Heat at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Zeng Yao)
TOKYO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's women's and men's 4X100m relay squads made it to the finals at Tokyo Olympics on Thursday.
It is the first time that both the men's and women's quartets of China advance into the final at the same Olympic Games.
China's women's team finished third in the heat as Liang Xiaojing, Ge Manqi, Huang Guifen and Wei Yongli combined for a 42.82 seconds, qualifying to the final after 21 years of waiting since Sydney Olympics.
"We were in good form today," said veteran Wei. "After suffering setback at Rio 2016, we were so happy that we realized our dreams."
Men's 100m finalist Su Bingtian led the men's 4X100m squad with Xie Zhenye, Tang Xingqiang and Wu Zhiqiang. They won the heat at 37.92 seconds, second best among the eight finalists, only behind Jamaica.
"We aimed to break the national record in the final," said Asian record holder Su.
The United States' men's team failed to qualify to the final as they ranked a disappointing sixth in the heat. Enditem
?Su Bingtian (1st R) and Wu Zhiqiang (3rd R) of China compete during the Men's 4x100m Heat at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Su Bingtian (R) and Wu Zhiqiang of China compete during the Men's 4x100m Heat at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Su Bingtian (1st R) and Wu Zhiqiang (3rd R) of China compete during the Men's 4x100m Heat at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Wu Zhiqiang (3rd R) of China competes during the Men's 4x100m Heat at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
Su Bingtian (1st R) and Wu Zhiqiang (3rd R) of China compete during the Men's 4x100m Heat at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Team China reacts during the women's 4x100m relay heats at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Wei Yongli (C) of Team China competes during the women's 4x100m relay heats at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Team China react during the women's 4x100m relay heats at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Wei Yongli (L) of Team China reacts during the women's 4x100m relay heats at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Huang Guifen of Team China reacts during the women's 4x100m relay heats at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Huang Guifen (R) of Team China reacts during the women's 4x100m relay heats at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Team China react during the women's 4x100m relay heats at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
Wei Yongli of Team China reacts during the women's 4x100m relay heats at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
German swimmer wins men's marathon swimming title at Tokyo Olympics
Florian Wellbrock of Germany competes during the men's 10km of marathon swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
TOKYO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Florian Wellbrock of Germany won the gold medal of men's marathon swimming with a time of one hour 48 minutes and 33.7 seconds at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Thursday.
Wellbrock led for most of the 10km race to wrap up his second medal at these games. He also won a bronze medal in the 1500m freestyle on Sunday.
Kristof Rasovszky of Hungary took the silver medal, followed by Gregorio Paltrinieri of Italy in the third place. It was also Paltrinieri's second medal at the Tokyo Olympics as he won a silver medal in the 800m freestyle. Enditem
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Florian Wellbrock of Germany competes during the men's 10km of marathon swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
Florian Wellbrock of Germany celebrates after the men's 10km of marathon swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
Kristof Rasovszky of Hungary celebrates after the men's 10km of marathon swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
Gregorio Paltrinieri of Italy celebrates after the men's 10km of marathon swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
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ROC pair Romashina and Kolesnichenko win artistic swimming duet gold at Tokyo Olympics (updated)
Svetlana Kolesnichenko and Svetlana Romashina of ROC attend the awarding ceremony for the duet of the artistic swimming competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Svetlana Romashina and Svetlana Kolesnichenko won the ROC the gold in artistic swimming duet after scoring 98.8000 points in free routine for a total of 195.9079 points here on Wednesday.
The ROC duo took the first place in Tuesday's technical routine with 97.1079 points, the highest technical routine score which the pair have achieved as a duet.
The 31-year-old Romashina now has six Olympic gold medals to her name. Having won team gold at Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016, she also clinched duet golds in London and Rio.
"I don't count the medals, I just want to feel this moment. We are very happy. I think we are happy of our work, of our team," said Romashina.
Romashina and Kolesnichenko are the reigning world champions in both duet free and duet technical.
Huang Xuechen and Sun Wenyan of China collected their second Olympic duet silver after the Rio Games with a total of 192.4499 points.
When asked whether they think they will be able to win over the ROC team, Huang said: "We need to be ourselves. It's hard to achieve that because they're really strong, but we have to get better little by little."
Marta Fiedina and Anastasiya Savchuk took bronze for Ukraine with 189.4620.
"This is the first time Ukraine has won an Olympic medal (in artistic swimming). Of course, we're so happy and we don't have words. What can we say about this?" said Fiedina.
The host nation's Yukiko Inui and Megumu Yoshida ranked fourth with 187.8166. Enditem
?Silver medalists Huang Xuechen and Sun Wenyan of China display their medals during the awarding ceremony for the duet of the artistic swimming competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
Huang Xuechen and Sun Wenyan of China compete during the duet free routine final of the artistic swimming competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Svetlana Kolesnichenko and Svetlana Romashina of ROC attend the awarding ceremony for the duet of the artistic swimming competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Canada's Andre De Grasse wins men's 200m title at Tokyo Olympics
?Andre de Grasse (2nd L) of Canada competes during the men's 200m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Canada's Andre De Grasse claimed the men's 200m gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics here on Wednesday, adding to his bronze medal in the 100m.
Grasse won the 200m race with a national record of 19.62 seconds. He came second in this event behind Usain Bolt of Jamaica at Rio 2016.
Kenneth Bednarek of the United States took silver in a personal best of 19.68, with Noah Lyles, the 2019 world champion, having to settle for bronze in 19.74. Enditem
Andre de Grasse of Canada celebrates after winning the men's 200m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
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Poland's Nowicki wins men's hammer throw at Tokyo Olympics
?Wojciech Nowicki of Poland competes during the Men's Hammer Throw Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Wojciech Nowicki of Poland won the men's hammer throw gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics here on Wednesday.
All five legitimate attempts by Nowicki were above 80 meters, including a personal best of 82.52 meters that lifted him from the bronze medal in Rio 2016 to the highest podium at Tokyo 2020.
Norwegian Elvind Henriksen won silver with an 81.58m throw on his fifth attempt, while Nowicki's teammate Pawel Fajdek - a four-time world champion - recorded 81.53m for bronze. Enditem
Wojciech Nowicki of Poland competes during the Men's Hammer Throw Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Wojciech Nowicki of Poland reacts during the awarding ceremony of the Men's Hammer Throw at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
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Kenya finish one-two in men's 800m at Tokyo Olympics
?Athletes compete during the Men's 800m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Emmanuel Korir and Ferguson Rotich completed a Kenya 1-2 in men's 800m final here on Wednesday at the Tokyo Olympics.
Korir crossed the finish line first at 1:45.06 to win Kenya's fourth gold medal in a row in men's 800m at the Olympic Games after in 2008, 2012 and 2016. Korir's compatriot Rotich came from behind to take second place with 1:45.23.
Patryk Dobek of Poland won bronze with 1:45.39. Enditem
Emmanuel Kipkurui Korir of Kenya celebrates after the Men's 800m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Athletes compete during the Men's 800m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Chuanqi)
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Peruth Chemutai of Uganda wins women's 3000m steeplechase gold at Tokyo Olympics
?Peruth Chemutai of Uganda celebrates after winning the women's 3000m steeplechase final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Peruth Chemutai of Uganda won women's 3000m steeplechase gold with nine minutes and 1.45 seconds at Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday.
Chemutai surpassed Courtney Frerichs of the United States in the last lap, the latter cliched a silver with 9:04.79, Hyvin Kiyeng of Kenya took bronze with 9:05.39. Enditem
Peruth Chemutai (2nd R) of Uganda competes during the women's 3000m steeplechase final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Peruth Chemutai of Uganda celebrates after winning the women's 3000m steeplechase final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
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Mills and McIntyre win women's 470 class in final sailing medal event of Tokyo 2020
?Hannah Mills/Eilidh McIntyre (R) of Great Britain compete during the sailing women's two person dinghy 470 medal race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kanagawa, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The British crew of Hannah Mills and Eilidh McIntyre won the women's 470 gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday.
With a 14-point advantage after completing the opening series, Mills and McIntyre top the standings after finishing safely in the medal race in fifth.
Poland's Agnieszka Skrzypulec and Jolanta Ogar won silver, with France's Camille Lecointre and Aloise Retornaz taking bronze.
With silver at London 2012, gold at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 under her belt, Mills has become the most-decorated female sailor in Team GB history. Enditem
Agnieszka Skrzypulec (1st L)/Jolanta Ogar (1st R) of Poland compete during the sailing women's two person dinghy 470 medal race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kanagawa, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Hannah Mills/Eilidh McIntyre (L) of Great Britain celebrate after winning the sailing women's two person dinghy 470 medal race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kanagawa, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Sailors compete during the sailing women's two person dinghy 470 medal race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kanagawa, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Cuban boxer Lopez wins men's light heavy gold at Tokyo Olympics
?Arlen Lopez of Cuba celebrates after winning the men's light heavy (75-81kg) final bout of boxing against Benjamin Whittaker of Great Britain at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Cuban boxer Arlen Lopez clinched the men's light heavyweight gold at Tokyo 2020, beating Britain's Benjamin Whittaker in final here on Wednesday.
Lopez, Rio 2016 middleweight gold medalist, competed in light heavyweight category this time in Tokyo. The 28-year-old Cuban landed more clean punches and won the bout on split-decision 4-1.
Azerbaijan's Loren Berto Alfonso Dominguez and Imam Khatave of the Russian Olympic Committee shared the bronze medals. Enditem
Arlen Lopez (R) of Cuba competes against Benjamin Whittaker of Great Britain during the men's light heavy (75-81kg) final bout of boxing at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)
Yosozumi wins Japan's 3rd Olympic skateboarding gold in women's park
?Sakura Yosozumi of Japan celebrates after women's park final of skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ga)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Sakura Yosozumi won the third skateboarding gold for Olympic hosts Japan in as many events with victory in the women's park final here on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old had an impressive first run in the final that earned her 60.09 points which no other skaters could match.
"I'm super happy to win the gold medal," Yosozumi said. "We enjoyed it, we had so much fun, and then all did great tricks together."
Kokona Hiraki, 12, took silver with 59.04 points, while Britain's 13-year-old Sky Brown wrapped up her performance with a 56.47-point showdown that secured her a bronze.
Brown, the youngest British Olympian of all-time, said afterwards it was "insane" to stand on podium and to share it with her friends, especially Yosozumi, whom she called one of her best friends.
"Everyone did amazing, everyone was doing so good, I'm so proud of everyone, and just being on the podium with my really good friend is just insane," she said.
The one-two finish for Yosozumi and Hiraki put Japan firmly on top of the skateboarding medal tally, after Yuto Horigome and Momiji Nishiya won men's and women's street gold and Funa Nakayama added a bronze after Nishiya.
World No.1 Misugu Okamoto, who qualified first in the preliminaries but fell on all her three runs in the final, missed the podium with 53.58 points.
China's Zhang Xin finished 15th in the qualification and did not make it to the final.
The 22-year-old gave herself a seven out of 10 for her performance.
"This is a big course and I was quite surprised I didn't make any mistakes. But my degree of difficulty is not that good, so I will work on this in my future training," she said.
The men's park competition will conclude skateboarding's Olympic debut on Thursday with world No.1 Heimana Reynolds seeking to break Japanese skaters' home dominance. Enditem
Sakura Yosozumi of Japan warms up before women's park final of skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ga)
Sakura Yosozumi of Japan poses for photo at the awarding ceremony of women's park final of skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ga)
Australia wins sailing men's 470 gold at Tokyo Olympics
?Mathew Belcher (2nd L)/Will Ryan (1st L) of Australia celebrate after the sailing men's two person dinghy 470 medal race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kanagawa, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Already leading the overall classification heading into Wendesday's medal race, Australia's Mathew Belcher and Will Ryan sealed the men's 470 gold in style by winning the medal race as well at the Tokyo Olympics.
Second-placed Sweden, crewed by Anton Dahlberg and Fredrik Bergstrom, were close to the Aussies throughout the race and took the silver medal.
Spain take bronze through Jordi Xammar and Nicolas Rodriguez, who finish 5th in the medal race to just hold off New Zealand by 2 points in the overall standings. Enditem
Mathew Belcher/Will Ryan of Australia compete during the sailing men's two person dinghy 470 medal race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kanagawa, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
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Japanese skater Yosozumi wins women's park gold at Tokyo Olympics
Yosozumi Sakura of Japan competes during women's park final of skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Sakura Yosozumi won the third skateboarding gold for Olympic hosts Japan in as many events with a victory in the women's park final here on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old had an impressive first run in the final that earned her 60.09 points that no other skaters could match in the following attempts.
Kokona Hiraki, 12, won the silver with 59.04 points while Britain's 13-year-old Sky Brown wrapped up her performance with a 56.47-point showdown that secured her a bronze. Enditem
Yosozumi Sakura of Japan competes during women's park final of skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
Yosozumi Sakura of Japan competes during women's park final of skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
Yosozumi Sakura of Japan competes during women's park final of skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
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Brazil wins gold in women's 10km marathon swimming at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian Ana Marcela Cunha won her first Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020 in women's 10km marathon swimming in one hour 59 minutes 30.8 seconds, beating the silver medalist Sharon Van Rouwendaal of Netherlands by only 0.9 seconds here on Wednesday.
Cunha has won five individual world titles in marathon swimming, but it was her first Olympic medal. She finished fifth at Beijing 2008, when she was 16 years old.
"I am not only happy for the medal, but also being an Olympic champion I never thought I would be here. My coach has always believed in me and made me believe in myself," said Cunha.
Sharon Van Rouwendaal won this event at Rio 2016.
"This time, I had to come with a different tactic because of the warm water. I didn't train that much in warm water, and I think I needed a new plan for today. But this is my best race so far in warm water," said the Dutch swimmer.
Australia's Kareena Lee took bronze in 1:59:32.5, becoming the first Australian Olympic medalist in this event.
"It's just incredible to be able to do that for Australia. I'm so, so happy. And as I said, I can't take full credit for the medal, it's not just mine. There's a whole team behind me, so many people, and I'm just so thankful for that team I have," said Lee.
China's Xin Xin finished 8th, after she recorded a fourth place in Rio and won the event at 2019 World Championships.
"I accept the result, but I am a little disappointed with the ranking. As to the race, there were a lot of body contacts at the beginning, and it took so much energy, so I fell behind in the end," said Xin. Enditem
Serbia stuns China 77-70 to enter women's basketball semis at Tokyo Olympics
Shao Ting (R) of China goes for a layup during the women's basketball quarterfinal match between China and Serbia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Serbia stunned China 77-70 to enter the women's basketball semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics at Saitama Super Arena on Wednesday.
Jelena Brooks scored 18 points, Sonja Vasic made 16 and Ana Dabovic added 13 for Serbia, which forced out 23 turnovers for the win.
Serbia, which won the bronze medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, came all out from the very beginning and led for the most of the first half when Brooks contributed 14 points.
China only managed a brief lead on 29-28 towards the end of the second quarter, but Serbia, which beat China 80-72 five years ago in Brazil, maintained the slim lead on 35-33 before the break.
The tempo of the game never slowed down until a couple of minutes towards the end of third quarter as China used a 10-2 run to break out by 58-49.
China had to call up everyone on the bench when Serbia was so determined to topple down the No. 1 ranked team from the preliminary round that it regained the lead 60-58 with a 11-0 run featuring a series of steals and fast-breaks.
Chinese center Han Xu made a lay-up 5:54 minutes left and captain Shao Ting's 3-pointer tied it 66 to all.
Leading 74-70 with 28.4 seconds to go, Serbia gave little chance to China with solid defence.
Shao Ting led China with 17 points and Han added 15. Enditem
Li Meng (R) of China breaks through during the women's basketball quarterfinal match between China and Serbia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Li Yueru of China goes for a layup during the women's basketball quarterfinal match between China and Serbia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Players of China communicate with each other during the women's basketball quarterfinal match between China and Serbia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Yvonne Anderson (2nd L) of Serbia shoots during the women's basketball quarterfinal match between China and Serbia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
Li Yuefu (C) of China shoots during the women's basketball quarterfinal match between China and Serbia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
Li Yueru (3rd R) of China shoots during the women's basketball quarterfinal match between China and Serbia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
Sun Mengran of China celebrates during the women's basketball quarterfinal match between China and Serbia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Xu Limin, head coach of China, instructs players during the women's basketball quarterfinal match between China and Serbia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Shao Ting (L) of China goes for a layup during the women's basketball quarterfinal match between China and Serbia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Shao Ting (R) of China goes for a layup during the women's basketball quarterfinal match between China and Serbia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
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U.S. runner McLaughlin wins women's 400m hurdles with new world record at Tokyo Olympics
Sydney McLaughlin (R) of the United States and Femke Bol of the Netherlands compete during the Women's 400m Hurdles Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. runner Sydney McLaughlin won the women's 400m hurdles title with new world record here on Wednesday at the Tokyo Olympics.
McLaughlin finished the race in 51.46 seconds, 0.44 seconds faster than the previous world record set by herself on June 27.
McLaughlin's compatriot Dalilah Muhammad won the silver with personal best of 51.58s, also bettering the previous world record of 51.90s. Femke Bol of the Netherlands took bronze in 52.03s. Enditem
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Athletes compete during the Women's 400m Hurdles Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
Sydney McLaughlin (C) and Dalilah Muhammad (L) of the United States and Femke Bol of the Netherlands celebrate after the Women's 400m Hurdles Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Dalilah Muhammad of the United States reacts after the Women's 400m Hurdles Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Sydney McLaughlin (R) of the United States competes during the Women's 400m Hurdles Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Sydney McLaughlin (R) and Dalilah Muhammad of the United States react after the Women's 400m Hurdles Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Sydney McLaughlin of the United States celebrates after the Women's 400m Hurdles Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Sydney McLaughlin (C) and Dalilah Muhammad (L) of the United States and Femke Bol of the Netherlands react during the awarding ceremony of the Women's 400m Hurdles Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
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China to defend table tennis women's team title against Japan at Olympics
Chen Meng and Wang Manyu (R) of China compete during the table tennis women's team semifinal between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- China took the third convincing 3-0 victory here on Wednesday at the Olympics table tennis women's team event, beating Germany to set up a final matchup against hosts Japan.
The all-time leading Chinese, who have claimed all three previous gold medals since the team events were introduced to the Olympic table tennis competition in Beijing 2008, appointed Sun Yingsha as the first-choice singles player this time, a third format here so far.
And the 20-year-old played up to her name, limiting her defensive style opponent Han Ying effectively with heavy strokes and bumping to a 3-0 victory easily, 11-6, 11-4, 11-9.
Her fellow Chinese Wang Manyu and Chen Meng partnered with each to start the match, and claimed a straight-set win over Shan Xiaona/Petrissa Solja, 11-9, 11-2, 11-4.
Chen Meng, the new women's singles champion crowned here at the Tokyo Olympic Games six days ago, played the third game with a slow start, committing lots of unforced errors in her first set losing 11-5, but managed to come back 11-4, 11-9, 13-11 to seal the victory for China.
The Chinese will vie for a fourth straight Olympic top-podium finish against Japan on Thursday evening, after the local favorites made short work of their counterparts from Hong Kong, China to cruise into the final.
"I have practised for complete victory. I am really looking forward to the final match," said Mima Ito, who paired with Jun Mizutani to win Japan's first Olympic table tennis gold last week, beating China's Xu Xin/Liu Shiwen in full seven sets. Enditem
Sun Yingsha of China celebrates during the table tennis women's team semifinal between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Chen Meng (R) and Wang Manyu of China compete during the table tennis women's team semifinal between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Chen Meng of China hits a return during the table tennis women's team semifinal between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Chen Meng and Wang Manyu (R) of China celebrate during the table tennis women's team semifinal between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Sun Yingsha of China hits a return during the table tennis women's team semifinal between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Sun Yingsha of China hits a return during the table tennis women's team semifinal between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
Chen Meng (L, rear) and Wang Manyu celebrate during the table tennis women's team semifinal between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
Chen Meng of China serves during the table tennis women's team semifinal between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
Sun Yingsha of China hits a return during the table tennis women's team semifinal between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
Sun Yingsha of China hits a return during the table tennis women's team semifinal between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
China's coach Li Sun (C) instructs Chen Meng during the table tennis women's team semifinal between China and Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
Brazilian swimmer wins women's marathon swimming title at Tokyo Olympics
Athletes get prepared at the starting point of the women's 10km of marathon swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Ana Marceela Cunha of Brazil won the women's 10km marathon swimming gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Wednesday.
Marceela clocked a winning time of one hour 59 minutes and 30.8 seconds for the title. The silver medal went to Aharron Van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands who finished the distance at 1:59:31.7. Kareena Lee of Australia took the bronze medal at 1:59:32.5. Enditem
Xin Xin of China competes during the women's 10km of marathon swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Xin Xin of China competes during the women's 10km of marathon swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
Ana Marcela Cunha of Brazil competes during the women's 10km of marathon swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
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Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah wins women's 200m gold at Tokyo Olympics
?Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica reacts during the women's 200m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
TOKYO, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah won women's 200 meters gold at Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday with a time of 21.53 seconds.
Christine Mboma of Namibia ranked second at 21.81 while Gabrielle Thomas of the United States took bronze in 21.87.
This was Thompson-Herah's second gold medal at Tokyo Olympics. She also won the 100m title on Saturday. Enditem
Elaine Thompson-Herah (3rd L) of Jamaica competes during the women's 200m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica competes during the women's 200m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica reacts during the women's 200m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica celebrates after winning the women's 200m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Elaine Thompson-Herah (L) of Jamaica competes during the women's 200m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Elaine Thompson-Herah (L) of Jamaica competes during the women's 200m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica celebrates after winning the women's 200m final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland wins women's hammer throw gold at Tokyo Olympics
?Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland competes during the Women's Hammer Throw Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
TOKYO, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland defended her hammer throw title at Tokyo OLympics on Tuesday by throwing 78.48 meters.
Chinese thrower Wang Zheng bagged silver with 77.03m followed by Malwina Kopron of Poland with 75.49m for the bronze medal. Enditem
Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland reacts during the Women's Hammer Throw Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Wang Zheng of China reacts during the Women's Hammer Throw Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Wang Zheng of China reacts during the Women's Hammer Throw Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Wang Zheng of China reacts during the Women's Hammer Throw Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Wang Zheng of China competes during the Women's Hammer Throw Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Wang Zheng of China reacts during the Women's Hammer Throw Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Chinese gymnasts finish 1-2 in women's balance beam at Tokyo Olympics
Guan Chenchen (2nd L) and Tang Xijng (2nd R) of China celebrate with coach Xu Jinglei (1st L) after the artistic gymnastics women's balance beam final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
TOKYO, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's Guan Chenchen and Tang Xijing clinched gold and silver medals respectively in women's balance beam at Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday.
16-year-old Guan, a balance beam specialist, topped the competition in 14.633 points, trailed by her teammate Tang in 14.233 points.
U.S. gymnast Simone Biles took bronze in 14.000 points after she withdrew from individual all-around, vault, floor exercise and uneven bars finals.
Guan, who finished first in 14.933 in qualification, was the last to compete on the apparatus. She secured the third gymnastics gold for China, with a 6.600-difficulty routine.
18-year-old Tang, who placed second to qualify, received an unparalleled 8.233 execution score for her routine, settling for silver in the final. Enditem
?Guan Chenchen of China competes during the artistic gymnastics women's balance beam final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Guan Chenchen of China competes during the artistic gymnastics women's balance beam final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Tang Xijing of China competes during the artistic gymnastics women's balance beam final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Guan Chenchen of China competes during the artistic gymnastics women's balance beam final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Tang Xijing of China competes during the artistic gymnastics women's balance beam final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Guan Chenchen (C), Tang Xijing (L) of China and Simore Biles of the United States pose for photos during the awarding ceremony after the artistic gymnastics women's balance beam final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Guan Chenchen of China reacts during the awarding ceremony after the artistic gymnastics women's balance beam final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Guan Chenchen of China competes during the artistic gymnastics women's balance beam final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Guan Chenchen (2nd L) and Tang Xijng (2nd R) of China celebrate with coach Xu Jinglei (1st L) after the artistic gymnastics women's balance beam final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Guan Chenchen (1st L) of China celebrates with her coach Xu Jinglei (2nd L) after winning the artistic gymnastics women's balance beam final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Guan Chenchen (front) of China reacts during the artistic gymnastics women's balance beam final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Tang Xijing of China reacts during the artistic gymnastics women's balance beam final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Chinese gymnast Zou claims men's parallel bars title at Tokyo Olympics
?Zou Jingyuan of China competes during the artistic gymnastics men's parallel bars final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
TOKYO, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese gymnast Zou Jingyuan snatched gold in the men's parallel bars at the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday.
Zou topped the competition in 16.233 points, followed by German Lukas Dauser in 15.700 points. Turkey's Ferhat Arican took bronze in 15.633 points.
23-year-old Zou, who placed first in the qualification, received an unparalleled 9.333 in execution score in the final, securing the second gymnastics gold for China in Tokyo.
Zou's execution score also surpassed Dauser by 0.200 points. Troubled by a shoulder injury, the Chinese gymnast placed 16th at the 2019 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, following two gold medals from Montreal 2017 and Doha 2018.
China's You Hao, the silver medalist in rings final, finished fourth in 15.466 points. Enditem
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Zou Jingyuan of China reacts during the awarding ceremony after the artistic gymnastics men's parallel bars final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Zou Jingyuan (2nd R) and You Hao (3rd L) of China celebrate after the artistic gymnastics men's parallel bars final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Zou Jingyuan (1st R) and You Hao (2nd R) of China celebrate after the artistic gymnastics men's parallel bars final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Zou Jingyuan of China poses for photos during the awarding ceremony after the artistic gymnastics men's parallel bars final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Zou Jingyuan (front, L) of China celebrates with coach Wang Hongwei after the artistic gymnastics men's parallel bars final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Zou Jingyuan of China competes during the artistic gymnastics men's parallel bars final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Zou Jingyuan (C) of China, Lukas Dauser (L) of Germany and Ferhat Arican of Turkey pose for photos during the awarding ceremony for the artistic gymnastics men's parallel bars final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Zou Jingyuan of China competes during the artistic gymnastics men's parallel bars final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Zou Jingyuan of China poses for photos during the awarding ceremony for the artistic gymnastics men's parallel bars final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Zou Jingyuan of China poses for photos during the awarding ceremony for the artistic gymnastics men's parallel bars final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
Japanese boxer Sena Irie wins gold at Tokyo Olympics
Irie Sena of Japan competes against Nesthy Petecio (back) of the Philippines during the women's feather (54-57kg) final bout of boxing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)
TOKYO, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Japanese boxer Sena Irie claimed the women's featherweight title at Tokyo 2020 on Tuesday, defeating world champion Nesthy Petecio of the Philippines.
This is the first-ever Olympic female boxing gold taken by Japan. The 20-year-old won the bout on unanimous decision 5-0 at the Kokugikan Arena.
In the first round, all five judges scored the fight 10-9 in favor of Irie. Petecio won four 10-9 in the second round before the last round went fiercer.
In the last three minutes, Irie was cheered by her compatriots from every corner of the arena and finally seized the win, becoming the first Japanese woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing.
Irie won silver at the 2020 Asia and Oceania Olympic Qualification Tournament in Amman, Jordan, and secured a spot for the 2020 Olympic Games.
Italy's Irma Testa and Britain's Karriss Artingstall shared the bronze medals. Enditem
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Gold medalist Irie Sena of Japan poses for photo at the awarding ceremony of the women's feather (54-57kg) of boxing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)
Irie Sena of Japan celebrates after the women's feather (54-57kg) final bout of boxing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)
Britain beat New Zealand to win men's 49er gold at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- British Dylan Fletcher/Stuart Bithell turned the fortune against their New Zealand counterparts to bag men's 49er gold after the medal race at the Enoshima Yacht Harbour on Tuesday.
Fletcher and Bithell was trailing by four net points behind Peter Burling and Blair Tuke after 12 races, but topped the medal race to tie the score as the New Zealanders finished third.
With a superior result from the medal race, the British duo clinched the gold medal and Team New Zealand had to settle for a silver.
The bronze medal went to Germany, who finished second in the medal race. Enditem
Cuba wins men's canoe double 1000m gold at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Serguey Torres Madrigal/Fernando Dayan Jorge Enriquez won the men's canoe double 1,000m gold at the Sea Forest Waterway here on Tuesday.
The Cubans finished in three minutes and 24.995 seconds, edging China's Liu Hao/Zheng Pengfei by 0.203 seconds.
The result also set a new Olympic best time, nearly two seconds faster than the record set by European champions Sebastian Brendel and Tim Hecker of Germany in the semifinals earlier on Tuesday.
The Germans took the bronze in 3:25.615. Enditem
Failure also a precious experience for Zhu Ting
Zhu Ting (R, front) of China reacts during the women's preliminary round pool B volleyball match between China and ROC at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, on July 29, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)
Zhu Ting, captain of China women's volleyball team, has hit the lowest point in her professional career, but this failure still a precious experience for her.
TOKYO, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Perhaps Zhu Ting, captain of China women's volleyball team, has hit the lowest point in her professional career.
Injuries mounted, confidence waned, performances dropped. China's ambitions for the title at Tokyo 2020 crumbled with an entirely unexpected ninth-place finish, the worst performance it has achieved this year.
With three defeats in a row, the defending champion was knocked out in astonishing style. Despite two consecutive wins in the last two group games, China failed to climb out of its hole to move into the elimination stage. With a bandaged wrist, captain Zhu was benched in the two final games.
As one of two flagbearers, Zhu led the Chinese delegation into the Olympic Stadium at Tokyo 2020's opening ceremony. And as captain of the volleyball team, the 26-year-old had been seeking to make China's flag fly high in another way. However, an old wrist injury prevented the spiker from making it happen.
Zhu Ting (R, up) of China competes during the women's volleyball preliminary round match between China and Turkey at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, July 25, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)
China's opening game set the tone for the rest of the competition, as Zhu's troupe was stunned by Turkey with a 3-0 defeat, in which Zhu only provided a lackluster four points, substantially below her average level.
A picture that went viral after the match showed Zhu's wrist bandaged up with a splint inserted.
It was reported that Zhu's wrist injury resulted from an accident in 2017, and given her busy calendar, she opted for conservative treatment rather than radical surgery.
In the second fixture, Zhu's conditions improved a little as she pocketed 18 points, but it was not enough as China lost to the United States by another 3-0 scoreline.
Zhu Ting (L) of China spikes during the women's volleyball preliminary round match between China and the United States at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, July 27, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
"The pain did affect me a lot in the opener, I felt powerless when it hurt," Zhu told Xinhua after the match.
In the following match against Russia, the injury seemed to still overshadow Zhu's performance, as despite 17 points, she preferred drops over hits, and didn't do well in reception.
Head coach Lang Ping didn't rule out the possibility of resting Zhu after the decisive showdown. "Zhu is heavily affected by the injury, she hardly hit the ball. We will negotiate with Zhu and the medical staff to consider players who are in better shape."
China's slim chance of qualification was dashed ahead of the clash with Italy last Saturday when Turkey dominated Argentina 3-0, so the two remaining matches turned out to be dead rubbers.
Lang Ping (R), head coach of China's women's volleyball team, gives instructions to player Zhu Ting during the women's volleyball preliminary round match between China and the United States at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, July 27, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
After Lang returned to the China coaching spot in 2013, Zhu was soon called up into the senior national volleyball team and gradually became the team's key player.
Boasting a large frame, the 198cm spiker has the extension to reach a near-impossible heights while also having the dexterity to act swiftly to get down low. With considerable talent and hard work, the girl from rural Henan Province quickly broke into the world's upper echelon of spikers.
Zhu's first major international competition came in 2014 when she led China to a runner-up finish in the World Championship, before winning the World Cup a year later, following an unforgettable experience to stand on the top step of the podium at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
"As captain and figurehead of China's women's volleyball team, the reigning Olympic champions, Zhu is one of the country's biggest stars," wrote Agence France-Presse at the time.
Some have even listed Zhu as one of the best players in volleyball's history, and the comparison to Lang says a lot, but Zhu still keeps a low profile.
"Lang and me are from different eras, which means different requirements, so I still need to learn and do better."
Zhu Ting (R) of China reacts during the women's volleyball preliminary round match between China and the United States at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, July 27, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
A desire to keep learning is the secret behind Zhu's progress. After the success in Rio, Zhu moved abroad to join Turkish volleyball giant VakifBank Istanbul.
Turkish League, Turkish Cup, Turkish Super Cup, CEV Champions League. Zhu's three seasons overseas saw her collect all manner of titles and awards to add to her cabinet.
Away from volleyball, Zhu also broadened her horizons studying for a Master's degree in history at Beijing Normal University.
"I am interested in history, so I wanted to learn more to enrich myself," she said.
And although the experience in Tokyo ended in disappointment, it will surely be remembered by Zhu as a lesson in how to deal with problems.
As the saying goes, failure is the mother of success. Perhaps the lessons from Tokyo will breed success in Paris in three years' time.
Puerto Rico bags its first Olympic athletics gold in women's 100m hurdles
TOKYO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Puerto Rican hurdler Jasmine Camacho-Quinn continued her top form at Tokyo 2020 and delivered the first Olympic athletics gold for her country winning the women's 100m hurdles final here on Monday.
Camacho-Quinn finished the race in 12.37 seconds after breaking the Olympic record in the semifinals on Sunday with 12.26.
World record-holder Kendra Harrison of the United States came second in 12.52, followed by Jamaican Megan Tapper with 12.55.
Camacho-Quinn had failed to make the finals at Rio 2016 after hitting a hurdle during her semifinal.
"I need to let it go," said Camacho-Quinn after the final on Monday, "Yesterday before the semifinal I had a breakdown, but I don't want the same thing to happen again."
In the men's long jump final, Greece's Miltiadis Tentoglou's last jump won him the gold medal.
Tentoglou leaped 8.41m on his final attempt to tie Juan Miguel Echevarria of Cuba, winning the gold medal with a second-best just of 8.15m, ahead of Echevarria's 8.09m.
"Last attempt, I told myself to calm down and do a normal jump. I didn't expect it could be so big," said Tentoglou. "I consider myself lucky. I was not lucky to jump 8.41m on the last attempt but I was lucky to win."
Echevarria also wanted to make the last attempt but was unable to finish due to injury. His teammate Maykel Masso took bronze with 8.21m.
Chinese long jumper Huang Changzhou ranked 10th with 7.72m. Enditem
Indonesia wins badminton women's doubles at Tokyo Olympics
Indonesia's Greysia Polii(1st L)/Rahayu Apriyani compete during the women's double gold medal match of Badminton against China's Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Xue Yubin)
TOKYO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's world No. 6 shuttlers Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu beat China's second seeds Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan 21-19, 21-15 in the women's doubles final of the Tokyo Olympics here on Monday.
The Indonesian pair raced to a strong start and kept the advantage till the end. In the second set, Chen/Jia, unable to bounce back, were overwhelmed by their opponents.
In an earlier match at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza, South Korea's No. 5 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong crushed their compatriots world No. 4 Lee So-hee/Shin Seung-chan 21-10, 21-17 to get the bronze. Enditem
Chen Qingchen (L)/Jia Yifan of China reacts after the badminton women's doubles gold medal match between Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan of China and Greysia Polli/Apriyani Rahayu of Indonesia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)
Greysia Polli (L)/Apriyani Rahayu of Indonesia celebrate after the badminton women's doubles gold medal match between Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan of China and Greysia Polli/Apriyani Rahayu of Indonesia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Xue Yubin)
Chen Qingchen (R)/Jia Yifan of China competes during the badminton women's doubles gold medal match between Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan of China and Greysia Polli/Apriyani Rahayu of Indonesia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)
Greysia Polli (L)/Apriyani Rahayu of Indonesia compete during the badminton women's doubles gold medal match between Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan of China and Greysia Polli/Apriyani Rahayu of Indonesia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Xue Yubin)
French shooter Quiquampoix wins men's 25m rapid fire pistol at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- European champion Jean Quiquampoix won the men's 25m rapid fire pistol gold at the Tokyo Olympics here on Monday.
With a three-hit advantage in hand, the Rio silver medalist made 34 hits to beat Cuba's London 2012 champion Leuris Pupo, and tied the Olympic record by the 44-year-old Cuban.
China's Li Yuehong survived the shootoff against South Korea's Han Dae-yoon and took the bronze.
The match saw title favorites ousted in early stage, with China's reigning world champion Lin Junmin the first to quit after a stumble start, followed by defending champion Christian Reitz of Germany. Enditem
Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico wins women's 100m hurdles at Tokyo Olympics
Jasmine Camacho-Quinn (C) of Puerto Rico and Kendra Harrison (2nd R) of the United States compete during the women's 100m hurdle final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
TOKYO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Puerto Rican hurdler Jasmine Camacho-Quinn continued her top form at Tokyo 2020 by winning the women's 100m hurdles final here on Monday.
Camacho-Quinn finished the race in 12.37 seconds after breaking the Olympic record in the semifinals on Sunday at 12.26.
World record holder Kendra Harrison of the United States came second in 12.52, followed by Jamaican Megan Tapper with 12.55. Enditem
Jasmine Camacho-Quinn (C) of Puerto Rico celebrates after winning the women's 100m hurdle final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico celebrates after winning the women's 100m hurdle final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico celebrates after winning the women's 100m hurdle final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Tentoglou of Greece wins men's long jump at Tokyo Olympics
Miltiadis Tentoglou of Greece celebrates after the Men's Long Jump Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
TOKYO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Greek jumper Miltiadis Tentoglou's last bid at the men's long jump final of Tokyo Olympic gifted him the gold medal on Monday.
Tentoglou leaped 8.41m in his final attempt to tie Juan Miguel Echevarria of Cuba, winning the gold on second-best of 8.15m in front of Echevarria's 8.09m.
Echevarria's teammate Maykel Masso took the bronze with 8.21m. Enditem
Miltiadis Tentoglou of Greece celebrates after the Men's Long Jump Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Miltiadis Tentoglou (C) of Greece, Juan Miguel Echevarria (L) and Maykel Masso of Cuba react after the Men's Long Jump Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Miltiadis Tentoglou of Greece celebrates after the Men's Long Jump Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
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Italy's Jacobs wins men's 100m gold at Tokyo Olympics
Lamont Marcell Jacobs of Italy reacts after the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Italy's Marcell Lamont Jacobs clocked 9.80 seconds to win the men's 100m gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games on Sunday.
Fred Kerley of the United States took silver in 9.84, and Canada's Andre de Grasse had bronze in 9.89.
China's Su Bingtian came sixth in 9.98, the best ever result for Asian sprinters. Enditem
Lamont Marcell Jacobs (L) of Italy competes during the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Lamont Marcell Jacobs of Italy reacts after the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Su Bingtian of China reacts during the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Lamont Marcell Jacobs (R) reacts with Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy after the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Athletes compete during the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
Su Bingtian (L) of China reacts after the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Su Bingtian of China reacts after the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Su Bingtian (C) of China competes during the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Su Bingtian of China reacts after the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
Su Bingtian (2nd R) of China competes during the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Su Bingtian of China reacts after the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Su Bingtian of China reacts after the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Su Bingtian (2nd R) of China competes during the Men's 100m Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Britain's Whitlock claims pommel horse title at Tokyo Olympics
Max Whitlock of Great Britain poses for photos after the men's pommel horse final of artistic gymnastics at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- British gymnast Max Whitlock won gold on pommel horse at Tokyo Olympics on Sunday.
He topped the competition in 15.583 points, trailed by Chinese Taipei's Lee Chih-kai in 15.400 points. Japan's Kazuma Kaya took bronze in 14.900 points.
Whitlock performed the first on the field, setting a high bar with an unparalleled difficulty score of 7.000 points. The 28-year-old placed fifth in qualification but performed a top-rate routine in a stable form in the final.
Lee trailed by a gap of 0.183, followed by Kaya by a margin of 0.500.
China's Sun Wei fell off the apparatus and placed eighth in the final. Enditem
Lee Chih Kai of Chinese Taipei poses for photos during the awarding ceremony for the men's pommel horse final of artistic gymnastics at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
Sun Wei of China competes during the men's pommel horse final of artistic gymnastics at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
Brazil's Andrade triumphs in women's vault final at Tokyo Olympics
?Rebeca Andrade (bottom) of Brazil reacts after winning the women's vault final of artistic gymnastics at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Rebeca Andrade claimed the women's vault title at Tokyo Olympics on Sunday.
The 22-year-old took gold in 15.083 points, followed by U.S. gymnast Mykayla Skinner in 14.916 points. South Korea's Yeo Seo-jeong settled for bronze in 14.733 points.
Andrade, a silver medalist in all-around final on Thursday, topped the final with both routines over 15.000 points.
With the same difficulty, she was able to upset Skinner in two higher execution scores, despite a 0.1 penalty in her first routine. Enditem
Rebeca Andrade of Brazil competes during the women's vault final of artistic gymnastics at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Rebeca Andrade (bottom, L) of Brazil reacts after winning the women's vault final of artistic gymnastics at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Israel's Dolgopyat claims men's floor exercise gold at Tokyo Olympics
?Artem Dolgopyat of Israel poses for photos during the awarding ceremony for the men's floor exercise final of artistic gymnastics at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli gymnast Artem Dolgopyat won gold in men's floor exercise at the Tokyo Olympic Games on Sunday.
The 24-year-old claimed the title in 14.933 points, trailed by Spain's Rayderley Zapata in the same score but with lower difficulty.
With the same execution score of 8.433 points, Dolgopyat was able to hold off challenge from Zapata by a gap of 0.100 in difficulty, despite an error that cost him a 0.1 penalty.
China's Xiao Ruoteng, who had won all-around silver medal on Wednesday, took bronze in 14.766 points. Enditem
Artem Dolgopyat (C) of Israel, Rayderley Zapata (L) of Spain and Xiao Ruoteng of China pose for photos during the awarding ceremony for the men's floor exercise final of artistic gymnastics at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
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Artem Dolgopyat (L) of Israel celebrates after winning the men's floor exercise final of artistic gymnastics at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
Rayderley Zapata of Spain poses for photos during the awarding ceremony for the men's floor exercise final of artistic gymnastics at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
China ease through to women's team quarters in Olympic table tennis
?Coach Li Sun (2nd L) gives instructions to Chen Meng (1st L) of China during the table tennis women's team round of 16 match between China and Austria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Wang Manyu won two games as China breezed past Austria 3-0 to kick off their title-defending campaign in the Olympic table tennis women's team event here on Sunday.
Wang, P-card holder of the Chinese women's team, stepped in to replace Liu Shiwen in China's round of 16 match against Austria. Liu, who partnered Xu Xin to win the mixed doubles silver medal at Tokyo 2020, withdrew due to a recurring elbow injury.
In the doubles clash, Wang and Sun Yingsha wasted no time to see off the partnership of Liu Jia and Liu Yuan 11-4, 11-6, 11-4 in just 16 minutes.
Newly-crowned Olympic singles champion Chen Meng just proved too strong for her left-handed opponent Sofia Polcanova, winning 11-3, 11-3, 11-6 in the second game.
Wang came up again in the third game and made short work of Liu Yuan 11-2, 11-3, 11-3.
In the quarterfinals, China will play the winners between France and Singapore, which is slated on Monday morning.
Chinese men's team will start their campaign on Sunday evening. Enditem?
Chen Meng of China reacts during the table tennis women's team round of 16 match between China and Austria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Chen Meng of China competes during the table tennis women's team round of 16 match between China and Austria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Sun Yingsha/Wang Manyu (R) of China compete during the table tennis women's team round of 16 match between China and Austria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Chen Meng of China competes during the table tennis women's team round of 16 match between China and Austria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Wang Manyu of China reacts during the table tennis women's team round of 16 match between China and Austria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Sun Yingsha (L)/Wang Manyu of China compete during the table tennis women's team round of 16 match between China and Austria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Wang Manyu of China reacts during the table tennis women's team round of 16 match between China and Austria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Czech pair Krejcikova/Siniakova claim women's doubles tennis gold at Tokyo 2020
Barbora Krejcikova (L)/Katerina Siniakova pose with the gold medals during the awarding ceremony for the tennis women's doubles event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova from the Czech Republic bagged the tennis women's doubles gold medal with a straight-set victory over Switzerland's Belinda Bencic and Viktorija Golubic at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Sunday.
Top-seeded Krejcikova and Siniakova won the final 7-5, 6-1 in one hour and 25 minutes.
The Czech pair won 61 percent (11/18) points on first serves, compared with their Swiss opponents' 5 of 18.
Bencic was unable to add another gold after winning the singles final on Saturday.
In Saturday's bronze medal match, Brazilians Laura Pigossi and Luisa Stefani rallied past Veronika Kudermetova and Elena Vesnina of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) 4-6, 6-4, 11-9. Enditem
Barbora Krejcikova (1st R)/Katerina Siniakova (2nd L) of the Czech Republic and Belinda Bencic (2nd R)/Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland hug each other after the tennis women's doubles final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
Belinda Bencic (R)/Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland pose with the silver medals during the awarding ceremony for the tennis women's doubles event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
US Golfer Schauffele wins men's golf gold at Tokyo Olympics
Xander Schauffele of the United States competes during the men's individual stroke play round 4 golf match at Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Xander Schauffele of the United States won men's golf gold at Tokyo Olympics with 18-under-par 266 on Sunday after the four-round competition.
Slovakian golfer Rory Sabbatini grabbed the silver with a 17-under-par 267.
Seven golfers tied on the third with 15-under-par 269 and they are competing for the bronze in a play-off. Enditem
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Xander Schauffele of the United States competes during the men's individual stroke play round 4 golf match at Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Xander Schauffele of the United States competes during the men's individual stroke play round 4 golf match at Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
Xander Schauffele (R) of the United States celebrates winning after the men's individual stroke play round 4 golf match at Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
Xander Schauffele of the United States competes during the men's individual stroke play round 4 golf match at Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
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Xander Schauffele of the United States competes during the men's individual stroke play round 4 golf match at Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
Xander Schauffele of the United States reacts during the men's individual stroke play round 4 golf match at Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Saitama, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
Chinese diver Shi wins women's 3m springboard gold at Tokyo Olympics
Wang Han (L), Shi Tingmao of China react after the awarding ceremony for the women's 3m springboard final of diving at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese diver Shi Tingmao won the women's 3m springboard gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Sunday, claiming her second gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
The reigning Olympic champion had a convincing lead from the first round, finishing with 383.50 points, 34.75 points ahead of her compatriot Wang Han who finished second.
It is Shi's fourth Olympic gold medal after the women's synchronised 3m springboard win at Tokyo 2020 with Wang days before, and two from the same events five years ago at Rio 2016.
China won its ninth consecutive Olympic gold medal in women's 3m springboard.
Krysta Palmer of the United States bagged the bronze with 343.75 points. Enditem
Wang Han (R), Shi Tingmao of China react after the awarding ceremony for the women's 3m springboard final of diving at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
Photo taken on Aug. 1, 2021 shows the awarding ceremony for the women's 3m springboard final of diving at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
Shi Tingmao of China competes during the women's 3m springboard final of diving at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
Shi Tingmao of China reacts during the women's 3m springboard final of diving at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
Australian sailor Wearn wins men's laser at Tokyo Olympics
Matt Wearn of Australia celebrates after the sailing men's one person dinghy laser medal race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kanagawa, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Australian Matt Wearn claimed the men's laser gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games after the medal race here on Sunday.
Before the medal race, Wearn already had an advantage of 22 net points on the overall ranking over the second placer Hermann Tomasgaard of Norway. Despite a a second-place finish in the medal race, Wearn emerged winner of the class with 53 net points.
Tonci Stipanovic of Croatia, placed third before the medal race, clinched the silver, egding Tomasgaard to the third place. Enditem
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Matt Wearn (L) of Australia competes during the sailing men's one person dinghy laser medal race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kanagawa, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Athletes compete during the sailing men's one person dinghy laser medal race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kanagawa, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Matt Wearn of Australia competes during the sailing men's one person dinghy laser medal race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kanagawa, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Hermann Tomasgaard of Norway is seen after the sailing men's one person dinghy laser medal race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kanagawa, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Matt Wearn of Australia celebrates after the sailing men's one person dinghy laser medal race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kanagawa, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Australian cyclist Martin wins men's BMX freestyle at Tokyo Olympics
Logan Martin of Australia competes during Cycling BMX Freestyle men's final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Australian cyclist Logan Martin won the gold of the men's BMX freestyle at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Sunday.
Martin delivered a powerhouse first performance in the final, scoring 93.30 points in his first run to take the gold.
Daniel Dhers of Venezuela took the silver in 92.05, and British cyclist Declan Brooks bagged the bronze in 90.80. Enditem
Logan Martin of Australia competes during Cycling BMX Freestyle men's final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
US continues dominance in men's 4x100m medley relay at Tokyo Olympics
Athletes of the United States pose during the awarding ceremony after the men's 4X100m medley relay final of swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The United States broke its own world record to win the last swimming gold in Tokyo from the men's 4x100m medley relay as the swimming competitions concluded here on Sunday.
Finishing in three minutes and 26.78 seconds, the American swimmers silced 0.5 seconds off their previous mark of 3:27.28 set 12 years ago.
Britain won the silver in 3:27.51, while Italy bagged the bronze with the time of 3:29.17.
Team USA has not missed a single gold in the event in every Olympics they attended since 1960, and this is their 15th Olympic title.
The victory also made Caeleb Dressel the most successful swimmer in Tokyo, who pocketed five golds from the six events he featured in. Enditem
Gold medalist of the United States, silver medalists of Great Britain and bronze medalists of Italy pose during the awarding ceremony after the men's 4X100m medley relay final of swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
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Chinese boxer Xu fails to defend WBA title for the third time
LONDON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese boxer Xu Can failed to defend his WBA featherweight title for the third time as the 27-year-old was TKO in the last round by British champion Leigh Wood in Brentwood, England on Saturday.
Xu fought for the first time in 20 months after arriving in Britain from the United States on Monday. He struggled to find chances to attack and was knocked onto the floor by Wood in the 12th round.
Xu found his feet soon and tried to resume the fight, but the referee suspended the match with 12 seconds to go while Xu suffered again in front of the heavy punches from Wood.
"I didn't fight well, no other excuse," said Xu. "It's tough that I haven't fought for 20 months, but I don't think it has anything to do with my defeat today."
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Xu hasn't fought since defending his title for the second time in November 2019. He previously set up a clash with American fighter Emilio Sanchez in June in Los Angeles, but the match fell through due to broadcasting issues.
"I stayed in the United States for half a year. Now I just want to go home and have a good rest. I'm extremely tired," said Xu.
In January 2019, Xu won the WBA title by defeating reigning champion Jesus Rojas of Puerto Rico with a unanimous decision in Houston, the United States. Then he achieved two successful defenses of the title later the same year. Enditem
China's shot putter Gong Lijiao wins her first Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020
?Gong Lijiao of China celebrates after winning the women's shot put final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Gong Lijiao dominated in women's shot put at Tokyo Olympics on Sunday, winning her first Olympic gold medal. The victory marked China's first Olympic gold in field events.
The four-time Olympian set her personal best twice in the final, throwing 20.53 meters in the fifth round and 20.58m in her sixth attempt.
Raven Saunders of the United States and Valerie Adams of New Zealand took the silver and bronze medal respectively. Enditem
Song Jiayuan, Gong Lijiao and Gao Yang of China (L to R) celebrate after the women's shot put final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Gong Lijiao of China celebrates after winning the women's shot put final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Gong Lijiao of China competes during the women's shot put final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Gong Lijiao of China competes during the women's shot put final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
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Gong Lijiao of China celebrates during the women's shot put final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Gong Lijiao of China celebrates after winning the women's shot put final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Gong Lijiao of China celebrates after winning the women's shot put final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Gong Lijiao of China celebrates after winning the women's shot put final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Gong Lijiao of China celebrates after winning the women's shot put final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Gong Lijiao of China celebrates after winning the women's shot put final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Gong Lijiao of China reacts during the awarding ceremony of the Women's Shot Put at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Gold medalist Gong Lijiao (C) of China, silver medalist Raven Saunders (L) of the United States and bronze medalist Valerie Adams of New Zealand react during the awarding ceremony of the Women's Shot Put at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Gong Lijiao of China reacts during the awarding ceremony of the Women's Shot Put at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
Gong Lijiao of China reacts during the awarding ceremony of the Women's Shot Put at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Gong Lijiao of China reacts during the awarding ceremony of the Women's Shot Put at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Gong Lijiao of China reacts during the awarding ceremony of the Women's Shot Put at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Gong Lijiao of China reacts during the awarding ceremony of the Women's Shot Put at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Gold medalist Gong Lijiao (C) of China, silver medalist Raven Saunders (L) of the United States and bronze medalist Valerie Adams of New Zealand react during the awarding ceremony of the Women's Shot Put at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Gong Lijiao of China reacts during the awarding ceremony of the Women's Shot Put at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Australia edges US for women's 4x100m medley relay gold at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Australia edged defending champion the United States for the women's 4x100m medley relay gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Sunday.
Kaylee McKeown, Chelsea Hodges, Emma McKeon and Cate Campbell concerted their efforts to win Australia's third Olympic gold in the event in 3:51.60, a new Olympic record.
Team USA was beaten to second, 0.13 seconds behind in the freestyle split, and saw their record of 3:52.05 at London 2012 crashed by the Aussies.
Canada, the first in the heats, took the bronze in 3:52.60.
China finished fourth, as they did in Rio five years ago, in 3:54.13. Enditem
British cyclist Worthington wins women's BMX freestyle at Tokyo Olympics
Charlotte Worthington of Great Britain competes during Cycling BMX Freestyle women's final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- British cyclist Charlotte Worthington won the gold of the inaugural Olympic BMX freestyle at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Sunday.
Worthington recovered from a fall on her first run to deliver an action-packed score of 97.50 points to grab the gold on her second run.
American cyclist Hannah Roberts, who won the world championships in the event in 2017, 2019 and 2021, took the silver with 96.10 points, while the bronze went to Nikita Ducarroz of Switzerland in 89.20. Enditem
Charlotte Worthington of Great Britain reacts during Cycling BMX Freestyle women's final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Charlotte Worthington of Great Britain competes during Cycling BMX Freestyle women's final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Charlotte Worthington of Great Britain competes during Cycling BMX Freestyle women's final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Charlotte Worthington of Great Britain competes during Cycling BMX Freestyle women's final at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
US swimmer Finke wins men's 1,500m freestyle at Tokyo Olympics
Robert Finke of the United States competes during the men's 1500m freestyle final of swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Robert Finke of the United States won men's 1,500m freestyle here on Sunday, his second gold in Tokyo after the first from 800m freestyle.
With a quick sprint in the last 50m, Finke broke out from the fierce competition, finishing in 14 minutes and 39.65 seconds to stand on top of the podium again in his Olympic debut.
Mykhailo Romanchuk of Ukraine touched homed 1.01 seconds behind, adding a silver to his 800m freestyle bronze.
Florian Wellbrock of Germany, who led the eight-man final for the majority of time, had to settle for a bronze in 14:40.91. Enditem
Robert Finke of the United States celebrates after winning the men's 1500m freestyle final of swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
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McKeon edges Sjoestroem for women's 50m freestyle gold at Tokyo Olympics
Emma Mckeon (R) of Australia reacts after the women's 50m freestyle final of swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Emma McKeon of Australia beat world record holder Sarah Sjoestroem of Sweden in the women's 50m freestyle final at the Tokyo Aquatic center here on Sunday.
The Aussie sprinted to a 23.81-second finish, edging world champion Sjoestroem by 0.26 seconds.
Defending champion Pernille Blume of Denmark came third in 24.21 seconds.
This is the sixth medal in McKeon's fruitful journey in Tokyo, after two golds and three bronze medals. Enditem
Gold medalist (C) Emma Mckeon of Australia, silver medalist Sarah Sjoestroem (L) of Sweden and bronze medalist Pernille Blume of Denmark pose after the women's 50m freestyle final of swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Dressel wins fourth personal gold in men's 50m freestyle at Tokyo Olympics
Caeleb Dressel (front) of the United States reacts aftr winning the men's 50m freestyle final of swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Caeleb Dressel of the United States won his fourth gold at the Tokyo Olympics triumphing in the men's 50m freestyle here on Sunday.
The reigning world champion touched home in an Olympic record time of 21.07 seconds, 0.48 seconds before Florent Manaudou of France.
Bruno Fratus of Brazil took a bronze in 21.57 seconds.
The 24-year-old Dressel has had three golds in hand prior to Sunday's final, from 100m freestyle, butterfly and 4x100m freestyle relay.
The American will feature in 4x100m medley relay an hour later. Enditem
Chinese weightlifter Lyu rewrites history with Olympic men's 81kg gold
Lyu Xiaojun of China competes during the weightlifting men's 81kg event at Tokyo 2020 on July 31, 2021. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)
"I like weightlifting at a young age, but now it's my love. This is why I will carry on until I'm 37 years old, or even 40," Lyu said.
TOKYO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese veteran weightlifter Lyu Xiaojun made history by winning a gold medal in the men's 81kg category along with three new Olympic records at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Saturday.
Zacarias Bonnat Michel of the Dominican Republic bagged a silver with 367kg. "It's historical for my country because it's the first Olympic weightlifting medal. I feel overwhelmed," said the runner-up Michel.
Italian Antonino Pizzolato nabbed a bronze with 365kg.
Lyu, who turned 37 on Tuesday, broke the record for the oldest Olympic Games champion in the sport set by Rudolf Plukfelder of the Soviet Union, who was 36 years old when he won gold at Tokyo 1964.
Lyu Xiaojun of China celebrates after winning. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
Taking up weightlifting in 1998, Lyu said the past two decades are all about his love for the sport.
"I like weightlifting at a young age, but now it's my love. This is why I will carry on until I'm 37 years old, or even 40," Lyu told a press conference.
Despite failing on his first snatch attempt at 165kg, Lyu eventually regrouped himself to lift a new Olympic record of 170kg in the snatch.
Lyu succeeded on 197kg in the first clean and jerk attempt to set an Olympic record 367kg in total, before improving it to 374kg with 204kg clean and jerk second attempt, also a new Olympic record.
Already having assured his gold medal, Lyu attempted to refresh his own world record (207kg) with 210kg, but failed.
Lyu became the second oldest Olympic champion representing China in any sport after Wang Yifu, who won the men's 10m air pistol shooting at Athens 2004 aged 43.
Lyu Xiaojun of China gestures during the awarding ceremony. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
This is Lyu's third Olympic medal after gold (2012) and silver (2016) in the 77kg category, making the 37-year-old Lyu the first Chinese weightlifter to rack up more than two Olympic medals.
The three-time Olympian didn't rule out the possibility of competing at the Paris Games three years from now.
"If you saw me compete at the World Championships next year, you would find me at the Paris Olympics," he said.
Lyu's victory means that four Chinese male weightlifters featuring in Tokyo 2020 have all achieved a perfect winning record in their categories.
"I will give them a score of 99 from 100 in case they will become complacent," said Yu Jie, head coach of the Chinese men's weightlifting team.
