August 17, 2008

FLASH: S. WANSIRU OF KENYA WINS MEN'S MARATHON GOLD MEDAL AT BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES AT 2:06:32

Kenya's Samuel Kamau Wansiru crosses the finish line during men's marathon final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 24, 2008. Samuel Kamau Wansiru won the title. (Xinhua Photo)

Kenya's Samuel Kamau Wansiru competes during men's marathon final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 24, 2008. Samuel Kamau Wansiru won the title.(Xinhua Photo/Guo Dayue)

Kenya's Samuel Kamau Wansiru reacts after crossing the finish line during men's marathon final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 24, 2008. Samuel Kamau Wansiru won the title.(Xinhua Photo/Guo Dayue)

Players of Brazilian women's volleyball team celebrate after winning the gold medal of women's volleyball event at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. (Xinhua/Zhao Zhongzhi)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- They jumped, they smashed and they won. Unstoppable Brazil won their first ever Olympic gold medal in women's volleyball after beating the United States 3-1 on Saturday.

The Americans took home the second silver after the one from the Los Angeles Games in 1984.

Brazil, playing ballet-like delicate passing and samba-like quick smashing, turned the first clash between the two teams at Beijing Games into an artistic 25-15, 18-25, 25-13 and 25-21 victory.

The two sides fought closely at the opener before 10-all, when Brazil, led by ace spikers Sheilla Castro and Fabiana Claudino, launched a stunning 10-1 run to establish a solid foundation for victory 20-11.

Players of Brazil celebrate after the women's volleyball gold medal match at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008.(Xinhua/Wang Jianhua)

American wing spiker Logan Tom scored three points in row and Heather Bown added one more to pull back 15-23, but Paula Pequeno immediately responded with a kill spike and an ace serve to clinch the set for Brazil 25-15.

The U.S. found their rhythm after veteran setter Lindsey Berg was sent to the court and their stormy serves destroyed the Brazilian reception.

Starting within 8-3, the Americans maintained winning momentum and enlarged the gap to 22-16. Danielle Scott-Arruda helped the U.S. take the match point 24-18 with a kill block and a quick middle court spike, but it was Tom who sealed the victory 25-18 with an unanswered spike.

The world's No. 1 Brazil, who sailed into the final without losing a single set, showed their true colors at the third set by strengthening blocking and serving. A decisive Brazil took the effortless set 25-13.

The fourth set had been a tit-for-tat battle before a 21-21 draw, when Kim Glass gave the advantage to Brazil with a serve error. Claudino and Castro helped the Brazil take the match points 24-21 with kill blocks, but it was American Tom who blew the ball out, as well as their chance to go further. Brazil won the match 25-21.

Earlier in the bronze medal match, China upset Cuba 3-1.

The defending champion, shrugging off the humiliating straight-set loss to Brazil in the semifinals, won the morale-boosting match, 25-16, 21-25, 25-13 and 25-20.

Although the host easily won the first set, Cuba, three-time champion in 1992, 1996 and 2000 fought back to win the second set. But China's powerful serving and solid blocking overpowered the Cubans who failed to win another set.

Players of Brazil (top) celebrate after the women's volleyball gold medal match at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. (Xinhua/Qi Heng)

URGENT: United States beats Australia to win Olympic women's basketball gold

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The United States beat Australia 92-65 to win the Olympic women's basketball gold medal at the Olympic Games here on Saturday.

Russia took the bronze after beating China earlier in the day.

Cyclists compete during the men's cross country of the Beijing Olymic Games cycling-mountain bike event at Laoshan Mountain Bike Course in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Julien Absalon of France claimed the title in this event with a time of 1:55:59. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- France finished one-two in mountain bike men's cross country race at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Saturday.

Julien Absalon took the gold medal, some one minute ahead of his compatriot Jean-Christophe Peraud who finished second. The bronze medal was won by Nino Schurter of Switzerland.

Cyclists start off during the men's cross country of the Beijing Olymic Games cycling-mountain bike event at Laoshan Mountain Bike Course in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Julien Absalon of France claimed the title in this event with a time of 1:55:59. (Xinhua Photo)

South Korean men's baseball team celebrate after winning the gold of baseball event at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. (Xinhua/Guo Lei)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- South Korea beat defending champion Cuba 3-2 here Saturday to win Asia's first Olympic baseball gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games.

Lee Yong-kyu opened the winning team's lead with a two run homer in the first inning and teammate Park Jim-man added one point in the seventh inning.

Cuba's Michel Enriquez and Alexei Bell homered respectively in the first and seventh innings.

The bronze medal went to the United States.

Asia's first Olympic baseball gold medal could be last one for this sport as baseball will not be included in the 2012 London Games. Whether it can enter the Games afterwards remains unclear.

Lee Yongkyu (R) of South Korea competes during the Baseball gold medal game against Cuba at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. South Korea beat Cuba and won the gold. (Xinhua Photo)

Gold medalists, the women's handball team of Norway, pose for group photo at the awarding ceremony of women's handball event of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Norway beat Russia and claimed the title in this event. (Xinhua Photo)

Gro Hammerseng of Norway shoots during the women's gold medal match of handball event between Norway and Russia at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Norway beat Russia and claimed the title in this event. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Norway reaped its first Olympic gold in the women's handball on Saturday in Beijing, downing world champion Russia 34-27.

Before the landslide victory, the best result of the Scandinavian country in the event had been its two Olympic silvers, respectively at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics.

"Today's fast attack in the first half worked very well. That is the key to our victory. It is the happiest moment and it is the greatest win," Norwegian left back Katja Nyberg said

Her teammate Goeril Snorroeggen told reporters, "I am so delighted and will go to a bar to celebrate."

Goalkeeper Katrine Lunde Haraldsen made brilliant saves to secure the victory. She said after the match "I am tired. I was very nervous at the beginning of the match but I found later our rivals were more nervous than us. We had a good start and stunned Russia."

"It is the biggest moment in my career. I am satisfied with my performance throughout the Olympics," added Haraldsen.

Russian coach Evgeny Trefilov felt bad about the start of the competition, "I feel regret about the result. Many people wept, but a handball match is just so cruel."

"We fell behind by a large margin after the match kicked off. Despite continuous efforts, we have failed to find an effective strategy to deal with the rivals and catch up by the end of the game. I am very unsatisfied with the performance of my players. None of them played well," said Trefilov.

Russia's right wing Emiliya Turey attributed the defeat to the mental power of the Norwegian team. "The two contingents have similar competence in handball but Norway is mentally stronger."

The Norwegian girls dominated the first half with sweeping attacks. With diversified transferring and high speed, they took advantage of Russia's porous defense and scored continuously with fast breaks.

Nyberg and pivot Marit Malm Frafjord came into limelight at the 26th minute with their marvelous blitz when Russian players made an error in attacking. Noway led by 18-13 before the halftime.

Russia mounted a counterattack after the interval, but the assaults were too weak to penetrate the strengthened defense of Norway. It only garnered six scores midway throughout the second half while Norwegian girls have extended their lead to nine points. With three minutes before the buzzer, the lead of Norway was increased further to 11 points.

One high-profile scorer of the Norwegian squad was right back Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth who accumulated nine scores throughout the match, followed by pivot Else Marthe Soerlie Lybekk who brought seven points for her team.

Norwegian two goalkeepers also enjoyed high efficiency in savings, one with 29 percent and the other with 39 percent, standing in a sharp contrast to their Russian counterparts of which the rates were all 19 percent.

Russia won the title in the World Championships last year.

Ken Wallace of Australia celebrates after the men’s kayak single (K1) 500m final at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the Shunyi Rowing-Canoeing Park in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Ken Wallace of Australia won the gold medaL. (Xinhua/Jiang Enyu)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Australian paddler Ken Wallace triumphed in the men's kayak single (K1) 500m at the Beijing Olypmics by hitting the finish line with a 0.378 second margin in Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park on Saturday.

He finished the race in 1:37.252. Canadian Adam van Koeverden won the silver medal (1:37.630) and British Tim Brabants the bronze (1:37. 671).

The Canadian took the lead in most of the race, closely followed by the Australian and the British paddlers. In the last 100-meter sprint, Wallace paddled hard and overtook the leader in the last sprint.

"Five hundred metres is so tight. It was close between everyone but I was pleased with the finish," the British paddler said in the mixed zone.

"I was mentally and physically quite drained today," he added.

"I've already come away with a gold medal so far. I knew I was on form today - I've got to be happy," the bronze medallist said.

Van Koeverden is the holder of the world best time for men's kayak single 500m. He created a new world best time by finishing the heat race with a result of one minute and 35.554 seconds in the heat races on Tuesday.

The Canadian flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony of Beijing Olympics, has been unbeatable during his 2008 World Cup series while Brabants and Wallace have long been considered serious medal prospects at the Beijing Games.

Inna Osypenko-Radomska of Ukraine competes in the women’s kayak single (K1) 500m final at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the Shunyi Rowing-Canoeing Park in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Inna Osypenko-Radomska of Ukraine won the gold medal. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian paddler Inna Osypenko-Radomska claimed the title in women's kayak single (K1) 500m in Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park on Saturday by clocking 1:50.673.

Josefa Idem from Italy got the silver medal (1:50.677) and German Katrin Wagner-Augustin won the bronze medal with a result of 1:51.022.

The most favorite for the event, Hungarian Katalin Kovacs finished the fourth. She took the lead in the first part of he race, but clearly slowed down in the last sprint.

"The race was so close, I didn't know I was winning because I was so close to Italy. I didn't know I had won," Inna said excitedly.

"I gave myself a goal and I'm happy to have achieved that. The first thing I will do is call my husband who is my biggest fan," she noted.

On missing the gold medal in the race, the Italian paddler said it was a small pity.

"I didn't get the gold by a millisecond, I don't remember anything around me, I just focused on the race," Idem said in the mixed zone.

"I consider myself really lazy even if I'm really fast during the competition. My best friend dreamed the race like this where I just missed out on the gold," the silver medallist said.

The German athlete said that she just couldn't believe the race result.

"I didn't look up for the whole race, It was a fight with Katalin Kovacs, I can't believe it," said the bronze medallist Katrin.

"I kept on looking at the results board and thought I was fourth so that makes bronze so much sweeter," she added.

Kovacs is the holder of the world best time for the event. She created the record of one minutes and 47. 343 seconds in Szeged, Hungary in 2002.

Flatwater races reached the Olympic Games in 1924 and were placed on the Olympic program in 1936. In flatwater races, paddlers must race on a straight course, each boat in a separate lane. In the kayak, the paddler is seated and uses a two blade paddle, while in a canoe, the paddler is on one knee and uses a single blade paddle.

Saul Craviotto and Carlos Perez of Spain compete in the men's kayak double (K2) 500m final at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the Shunyi Rowing-Canoeing Park in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Saul Craviotto and Carlos Perez of Spain won the gold medal. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Spanish paddlers snatched the gold medal in the men's kayak double (K2) 500m by finishing the race with a result of 1:28.736 in Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park on Saturday, breaking the Germans' eight-year dominance.

The Spanish paddlers were the leaders all the way long. But defending champions German crew were energetic in their final sprint. Spain won the race by a hair. Germany got the silver medal (1:28.827) and the bronze medal was taken by Belarus (1:30.005).

"It's wonderful that we got the gold medal. We weren't expecting this; we cannot believe it," Spanish paddler Saul Craviotto said after the race.

"I'm dying. We are at our limits. We gave everything we could," he added.

On losing the gold medal and his undefeated eight year title, German paddler Ronald Rauhe said: "What can I say, it has been eight years at the top. It wasn't going to last forever."

"How can you not be happy with an Olympic silver? But not getting gold does hurt," he said.

"I had this feeling that we were going to win but everyone was good today and we didn't underestimate anyone," his partner Tim Wieskotter said.

The German crew created the word best time of 1:26.971 in Szeged of Hungary in 2002. Belarus won the bronze medal in the Athens Olympics in 2004.

In flatwater races, paddlers must race on a straight course, each boat in a separate lane. There are different distances for the athletes to compete in, the 500m and 1000m.

Katalin Kovacs and Natasa Janic of Hungary compete in the women's kayak double (K2) 500m final at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the Shunyi Rowing-Canoeing Park in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. They won the gold medal. (Xinhua/Jiang Enyu)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Hungary's Katalin Kovacs and Natasa Janic retained the Olympic title in the women's kayak double 500 meters at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park here on Saturday.

The duo, who took world titles in 2005 and 2006, finished in one minute 41.308 seconds, 0.784 seconds ahead of Beata Mikolajczyk and Aneta Konieczna of Poland. Marie Delattre and Anne-Laure Viard of France took bronze in 1:42.128.

Reigning world champions Fanny Fischer and Nicole Reinhardt of Germany finished in fourth place. They won the gold medal in the women's K4 500m on Friday.

Maxim Opalevo of Russia competes in the men's canoe single (C1) 500m final at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the Shunyi Rowing-Canoeing Park in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Maxim Opalevo of Russia won the gold medal. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Maxim Opalev of Russia came from behind to win the gold medal in the Olympic canoe flatwater men's single (C1) 500 meters in the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park on Saturday.

Opalev finished in 1 minute 47.140 seconds, 1.257 seconds ahead of David Cal of Spain, silver medalist in Athens. Lurii Cheban of Ukraine took the bronze in 1:48.766.

The 29-year-old Russian made a slow start and was in fifth by the half-way mark. But he moved past then leader Aliaksandr Zhukovski of Belarus with a late charge in the last 100 meters and kept the lead across the finish line. Cal also won silver in the C1 1,000m on Friday.

Zhukovski, who led most of the way, finished in fifth. China's Li Qiang came in sixth in 1:49.287.

James Degale of Great Britain celebrates with his coach after defeating Emilio Correa Bayeaux of Cuba during Men's Middle (75kg) Final Bout of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games boxing event at Workers' Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. James Degale claimed the gold medal of the event. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- British middleweight (75kg) boxer James Degale won the title at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Saturday, beating Emilio Correa Bayeaux from Cuba 16-14 in the final.

Degale made it at 10-4 at the end of the second round. In the next two rounds, he managed to get points back whenever Bayeaux succeeded in landing punches on him.

It is kind of wresting as both boxers hugged closely with each other. The two fell to the ground together for at least three times, not to mention the falls of one of them.

"I don't think Cubans are the best on the ring," said Degale after the match. He said he would definitely stay until the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and hoped to win the gold in his own city.

Degale, 22, began boxing at the age of 10, when his dad and granddad took him to a gym in north-west London, as they thought he had more than energy to release and a natural fighting flair.

Meanwhile, silver medalist Bayeaux said he could have done better as it was not his best fight, "I was desperate sometimes on the ring and could not control my temper. It was not a pretty fight at all."

Bayeaux said he changed tactics and kept on punching on the ring, but did not get due scores.

James Degale (red) of Great Britain competes against Emilio Correa Bayeaux of Cuba during Men's Middle (75kg) Final Bout of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games boxing event at Workers' Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. James Degale defeated Emilio Correa Bayeaux and won the gold medal of the event. (Xinhua Photo)

He fought Degale earlier this year and won.

The Cuban boxer failed to emulate his father, the champion of welterweight at the 1972 Olympic Games, to win an Olympic gold.

Bayeaux said earlier he received a message from his father, "he told me that I should take care of myself and that I have nothing to be worried about, because he is convinced that I'm going to make all the people in Cuba happy with my medal."

"There is no pressure from my dad, but from myself. The Cuban team is a young team," Bayeaux said on Saturday.

"Of course I want to get the gold medal, but I couldn't make it today, so I am pretty sad," he added.

The bronze medals went to Darren John Sutherland from Ireland and Vijender Kumar from India.

Rakhim Chakhkiev (red) of Russia competes against Clemente Russo of Italy during Men's Heavy (91kg) Final Bout of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games boxing event at Workers' Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Rakhim Chakhkiev defeated Clemente Russo and won the gold medal of the event. (Xinhua/Lu Mingxiang)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Rakhim Chakhkiev from Russia claimed the men's 91kg boxing title at the Beijing Olympics on Saturday, beating Clemente Russo from Italy 4-2 in the final.

Chakhkiev, a silver medalist at the 2007 World Championships, said the key for his victory was the huge desire to win.

He also paid tributes to his opponent, saying Russo and himself were the best amateur boxers in their category.

Chakhkiev lost to Russo months ago in Chicago with a one-point gap.

Silver medalist Russo said it was a highly even match and his tactic was to wait and to let Chakhkiev attack.

"What happened, happened. You cannot bring back the past. If I could, yes, then I would change my strategy," the Italian said.

"I cannot say that I feel unhappy with Silver but I wanted the Gold," he added.

Russo said he would decide if to turn professional or remain an amateur boxer after the Beijing Olympic Games.

The bronze medals went to Osmai Acosta Duarte from Cuba and Deontay Wilder from the United States.

Somjit Jongjohor(blue) of Thailand competes during Men's Fly (51kg) Final Bout between Andris Laffita Hernandez of Cuba and Somjit Jongjohor of Thailand of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games boxing event at Workers' Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Somjit Jongjohor defeated Andris Laffita Hernandez, and won the gold medal of the event.(Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Somjit Jongjohor from Thailand claimed the men's 51kg boxing title at the Beijing Olympics on Saturday, beating Andris Laffita Hernandez from Cuba 8-2 in the final.

The bronze medals went to Georgy Balakshin from Russia and Vincenzo Picardi from Italy.

Felix Diaz (blue) of Dominican Rep. competes during Men's Light Welter (64kg) Final Bout between Felix Diaz of Dominican Rep. and Manus Boonjumnong of Thailand of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games boxing event at Workers' Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Felix Diaz defeated Manus Boonjumnong, and won the gold medal of the event. (Xinhua/Lu Mingxiang)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Felix Diaz of the Dominican Republic show few signs of vulnerability as he overcame defending champion Manus Boonjumnong of Thailand to win the men's light welter (64kg) boxing title at the Beijing Olympics on Saturday.

After a square first two bouts, the Domonican had complete control over the match in the remaining time to win it at 12-4 for the first gold medal of the Dominican Republic at the Beijing Games.

"It feels great to claim the first gold medal for my country, and I just play what I want but I have prepared well for the match," said the 24-year-old Dominican at the press conference. "I have a great coach and for a whole day yesterday we watched the video of my opponent, how he fights and moves and then I won."

"I breezed through the match in a way I like, and I do think my coach plays a part in the victory, who taught me a lot about the strategies. I had changed a lot of coaches before.

"I don't have a coach in my corner. I have a magician.

"I want to dedicate my victory to my parents, my two little kids and to all the people in Dominican Republic who have been watching my bouts at 3 o'clock in the morning every day just to support me."

Both athletes pulled off a careful game in the first bout as Diaz took a slight upper hand to lead at 2-1. Manus recovered a little then and his hard work got paid when he scored one point with 38 seconds left in the second bout to level things at 2-all.

But it turned out to be a flash in the pan as Diaz used a 9-1 run to take comfortable lead at 11-3.

The Dominican never looked back en route to the 12-4 victory.

However, the Thai seemed to be satisfied with the silver medal.

"I do the best I can, I know my men want me to bring a gold medal home but I am doing just fine with the silver," said Manus, three years Diaz's senior.

"I am not surprised with the result although I did not expect an easy loss like this, my opponent just did a good job."

In an earlier final, Manus' compatriot Somjit Jongjohor did not seem to be firing on all cylinders to beat Cuban Andris Laffita Hernandez in the men's fly (51kg) final.

"I felt proud of us as we have notched up medals in consecutive Games," added Manus.

Vasyl Lomachenko of Ukraine reacts during Men's Feather (57kg) Final Bout between Vasyl Lomachenko of Ukraine and Khedafi Djelkhir of France of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games boxing event at Workers' Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Vasyl Lomachenko defeated Khedafi Djelkhir, and won the gold medal of the event.(Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko dominated the final ring against Frenchman Khedafi Djelkhir on Saturday night to win an easy Olympic gold medal in the boxing 57kg category.

Lomachenko proved himself much superior in power and speed, punching his French rival so fast and hard that the referee stopped the fight after three standing counts and awarded the Ukrainian the victory.

After the match, the happy winner said: "I was preparing my tactical plan for the fight thinking that there would be all four rounds, but in the course of the first round I felt that I could box more intensively. I was feeling quite well physically and mentally."

The French admitted that Lomachenko was better than him this time. "I did not manage to find my rhythm," he said: "It (the fight) was very hard and very rapid."

Djelkhir won the silver medal, and Turkish Yakup Kilic and Azerbaijani Shahin Imranov shared the bronze medals.

Wilfred Bungei of Kenya celebrates after the men's 800m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Wilfred Bungei won the title with 1:44.65.(Xinhua Photo)

Wilfred Bungei（2246）of Kenya crosses the finish line during the men's 800m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Wilfred Bungei won the title with 1:44.65. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan Wilfred Bungei stormed to the men's 800 meters title to win his country's third gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

Bungei won the gold in one minute 44.65 seconds after a brilliant surge of speed in the final laps. He was followed by Ismail Ahmed Ismail of Sudan, who finished the race at 1:44.70. The bronze medal went to another Kenyan Alfred Kirwa Yego with 1:44.82.

Bungei, who only finished fifth in Athens Games four years ago, had been in the leading pack for the whole race, he met a strong challenge from Ismail but managed his leading position.

Ismail and Yego broke clear in the closing stages but Wilfred ensured himself of the gold medal when he sprinted away in the final straight.

Kenya had won two gold at the Games as Pamela Jelimo was crowned in women's 800 meters and Brimin Kiprop Kipruto took the men's 3,000 meters steeplechase title.

Nancy Jebet Langat of Kenya gestures as she crosses the finish line during the women's 1,500m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Nancy jebet Langat won the title with 4:00.23. (Xinhua/Guo Dayue)

Nancy Jebet Langat of Kenya reacts after the women's 1,500m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Nancy jebet Langat won the title with 4:00.23. (Xinhua/Guo Dayue)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Nancy Jebet Langat won the women's 1,500 meters gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Saturday.

The 27-year-old clocked her personal best of four minutes and 0.23 seconds for the gold. Ukraine's Iryna Lishchynska took the silver in 4:01.63 and her compatriot Nataliya Tobias won the bronze in 4:01.78.

In the first 400 meters, the race was led by Russia's Anna Alminova and Iryna Lishchynska of Ukraines, the bronze medalist of the 2007 world championship.

Maryam Yusuf Jamal of Bahrain, the world champion soon caught up with the top echelon and overtook them to spearhead. Langat was trailing them behind.

When Jamal seemed to be assured of the gold as 1,200 meters had been covered, Langat dramatically kicked and widened the gap with the world champion.

Jamal, exhausted as she was, was overtaken by Lishchynska and her fellow Tobias, and lost her chance to win a medal.

Kenenisa Bekele (R) of Ethiopia competes during the men's 5,000m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Kenenisa Bekele won the title and set a new Olympic record.(Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia set a new Olympic record in the men's 5,000-meter race to win the gold medal on Saturday at the Beijing Olympic Games.

The 26-year-old Ethiopian distance runner finished in 12 minutes and 57.82 seconds to refresh the 24-year-old Olympic record created by Morocco's Said Aouita at the Los Angeles Games.

The new record also gave him the second gold medal in the Beijing Olympic Games after winning the men's 10,000m.

"It's very special for me. It's not easy to achieve this after so much effort," said Bekele. "I'm feeling good. It was a fantastic race. It was a fantastic day for me. It was very special."

The gold medalist said his plan was to pick up the pace very fast. "It was a very fast race," he added.

Bekele, the silver medalist at the Athens Games in 5,000m, also became the second Ethiopian after Miruts Yifter to achieve the 5,000m and 10,000m double. Yifter made the feat at the Moscow Games, 1980.

By winning double gold medals in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, Bekele confirmed his status as the world's best long and middle-distance runner.

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge, bronze medalist at Athens Games, finished in 13:02.80 to get the silver medal.

"I am quite satisfied. This is the last event for Kenya. So I'm happy to represent my country," said Kipchoge.

"If we were at the same position in the last lap, maybe I could have caught up with him. I expected myself to get the gold medal, but I lost it and he was faster," the Kenyan said.

Kipchoge's fellowman Edwin Cheruiyot Soi gained his seasonal best result of 13:06.22 to win the bronze medal.

"I am feeling very happy about getting a season best. I'm proud that we Kenyans did a really good job," he said.

Bernard Lagat of the United States, the world champion last year, finished ninth.

Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway getures during the men's javelin throw final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Andreas Thorkildsen won the title.(Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Norway's Andreas Thorkildsen won the men's javelin throw gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Saturday.

The Athens Games champion defended his title with a throw of 90.57 meters, and broke the Olympic record. Latovia's Ainars Kovals took the silver with 86.64 meters and Finland's Tero Pitkamaki won the bronze with 86.16.

The 26-year-old veteran had taken the lead since the first attempt, and his domination had never been threatened throughout the race. He threw an amazing 90.57 meters in his fifth trials. With an effort enough to break the Olympic record, he dropped his last chance and clinched the gold.

Kovals surprised everyone with 86.64 in his last chance to edge Pitkamaki, the 2007 world champion, for the silver medal.

Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway competes during the men's javelin throw final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Andreas Thorkildsen won the title with 90.57 metres and set a new Olympic record.(Xinhua Photo)

Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway gestures during the men's javelin throw final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Andreas Thorkildsen won the title and set a new Olympic record.(Xinhua Photo)

Monique Henderson (R) of the United States competes during the women's 4x400m relay final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. The team of the USA won the title. (Xinhua Photo)

　BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Sanya Richards made a thrilling comeback from behind to anchor the win for the United States in the women's 4x400 meters relay at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Saturday.

Richards, who finished a disappointing third place in the 400m event, overtook Russia's Anastasia Kapachinskaya at the last moment, to help the U.S. quartet retain the champion won in Athens four years ago.

The U.S. team, also including Mary Wineberg, Allyson Felix and Monique Henderson, clocked three minutes 18.54 seconds.

Russia took the silver in 3:18.82 and Jamaica won the bronze in 3:20.40.

Runners of the United States celebrate after the women's 4x400m relay final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. The team of the United States won the title with 3:18.54.(Xinhua/Liao Yujie)

Runners of the United States react after the men's 4x400m relay final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. The team of the United States won the title with 2:55.39 and set a new Olympic record. (Xinhua/Liao Yujie)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The United States retained the gold medal in the men's 4x400 meters relay with a new Olympic record at the Beijing Games on Saturday.

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Team U.S.A., which lost chance to compete for both the men's and women's 4x100m relays, got revenge on Saturday evening by winning the women's 4x400m relay gold at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Sanya Richards, the U.S. anchor in the relay who won the bronze medal in the women's 400m race, overtook Anastasia Kapachinskaya of Russia in final strides to the finish line, with a result of 3 minutes and 18.54 seconds.

The U.S. team also consisted of Mary Wineberg, Allyson Felix and Monique Henderson.

Richards said, "It's so different being the one that's chasing than being the one that's chased. So we just came out here to have fun."

"I made a move at 150 (meters) and the Russian just kept going. And I said, 'keep pushing, keep pushing', and at 50 (meters), I saw the Russian break down a little."

She said, "This summer I was determined to leave with a gold. Of course I was disappointed with the 400m, but I said I wasn't going to leave here without a gold."

Felix said, "We've had our ups and downs (in the Olympics), but to win on this note is great."

Russians luckily got their first women's 4x100m relay gold at Olympics after the ambitious Jamaicans fumbled the handoff in the finals, for which the United States was disqualified because of baton drop.

The U.S. track and field team harvested no gold in all the four sprints and two sprint relays.

They were not as lucky as two days ago and overtaken by the revengeful Americans in the final time. Russia got the silver in 3:18.82.

The Russian team were upset about their eventual defeat by Americans. Yulia Gushchina, who ran the first leg in the relay, said, "Being the first runner, you have more responsibilities. You have to ensure a good start. I ran very fast at the beginning but then regrettably I was overtaken."

Jamaican ran their season's best, finishing the third in 3:20.40.

Shericka Williams said, "We performed well, but the USA and Russia were stronger. The result was not bad, but we went for gold. Anyway, the whole team is satisfied."

Angelo Taylor of the United States competes during the men's 4x400m relay final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. The team of the United States won the title and set a new Olympic record. (Xinhua/Guo Dayue)

Jeremy Wariner of the United States competes during the men's 4x400m relay final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. The team of the United States won the title and set a new Olympic record. (Xinhua/Guo Dayue)

David Neville (R) of the United States competes during the men's 4x400m relay final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. The team of the United States won the title and set a new Olympic record. (Xinhua/Guo Dayue)

Tia Hellebaut (L) of Belgium celebrates with Blanka Vlasic of Croatia after the women's high jump final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Tia Hellebaut won the title with 2.05 metres. Blanka Vlasic took the silver.(Xinhua Photo)

Tia Hellebaut of Belgium celebrates after the women's high jump final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Tia Hellebaut won the title with 2.05 metres. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- With only one day left, Belgium finally got on to the Beijing Olympic gold medals table when Tia Hellebaut won a women's high jump title here on Saturday.

The 30-year-old Hellebaut, the world indoor pentathlon champion, cleared 2.05 meters on her first attempt to claim the gold medal

Croatian Blanka Vlasic had to settle for the silver as she failed the first attempt on 2.05. The world champion, who had the eight best marks of the season and was a big favorite coming into the Olympics, didn't miss at any heights until her first go at 2.05 meters, which she cleared on her second attempt.

The bronze medal went to Russian Anna Chicherova with 2.03 meters.

Another Russian Elena Slesarenko, the 2004 Athens gold medalist and two-time world indoors champion, was fourth at 2.01.

Evgeniya Kanaeva of Russia competes during the individual all-round final at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games rhythmic gymnastics event in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Evgeniya Kanaeva won the gold medal of the event. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Evgeniya Kanaeva highlighted Russia's dominance in rhythmic gymnastics by taking the individual all-around gold medal at the Beijing Olympics by an impressive 3.575-point margin on Saturday.

The gold medal was the 18-year-old's first Olympic title, and the third Olympic rhythmic individual gold for powerhouse Russia in a row.

The retirement of Athens all-around gold and silver medallist from Russia, Alina Kavaeva and Irina Tchachina, opened the way for their compatriots Kanaeva and Olga Kapranova, and for 2004 bronze medallist Anna Bessonova of Ukraine.

Saturday's rhythmic individual all-around final saw a rivalry among the three and a newcomer, Inna Zhukova from Belarus.

But Kanaeva stood out just too easily, leading all the way through all the four routines of rope, hoop, clubs and ribbon.

The difficulty value of all her four routines exceeded the 9.0 barrier, and she matched her high difficulty with high-standard execution, mesmerizing fans with dazzling swings, circles, tosses, catches and spirals, among other daredevil tricks.

The 2008 European all-around champion who ranked first in qualifications, claimed the title with the highest scores in all her four routines, and a winning combination of 75.500 points.

"I am so happy for myself, for my coach and viewers in the stadium," she said. "I did my best in the competition. I only wanted to follow what my coach told me to do."

She said she was so focused on her performance and did not even notice she was first or not. "I only realized I won the gold medal when I saw the mark on the screen."

Inna Zhukova, fourth in qualifications, performed consistently on the four routines and finished second with 71.925.

"It's a pity for me not to get the gold medal, but I'm not too sad to get the silver medal," she said.

"In recent years I have attended a lot of competitions and the best result for me has been fourth place. It's beyond my expectation to get the silver medal," said Zhukova.

Bessonova, the 2007 world all-around champion, was in fifth place after two apparatus, but dynamic routines with clubs and ribbon in the second half of the final pulled her into third, in 71.850 points.

But the Ukrainian was not so happy as she did not see a satisfactory score for her third routine, with clubs, a routine seemingly superb to her and the audience.

"I was in tears after my third rotation because I felt it's a pity that I did not get high score in this rotation. But I thought I still had a last routine to make up for it," she said.

Kapranova, the 2005 world champion who was also a hot favourite for the title, lost her chance after she missed her clubs twice in her third routine and only scored 16.95, the third lowest in this rotation.

She recovered in the final rotation by performing the third highest-scoring ribbon routine of the day. She was fourth.

The top ten gymnasts out of a total of 24 in the qualifications competed in the final.

Irina Risenzon of Israel competes during the individual all-round final at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games rhythmic gymnastics event in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Irina Risenzon ranked 9th in the event. Irina Risenzon ranked 9th in the event. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

Inna Zhukova of Belarus competes with the clubs during the individual all-round final at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games rhythmic gymnastics event in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Inna Zhukova won the silver medal of the event. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

Inna Zhukova of Belarus competes with the hoop during the individual all-round final at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games rhythmic gymnastics event in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Inna Zhukova won the silver medal of the event. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

Evgeniya Kanaeva of Russia performs with clubs during the individual all-round final at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games rhythmic gymnastics event in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Evgeniya Kanaeva won the gold medal of the event. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

Rebecca Remero of Great Britain celebrates after winning in the Women’s Individual Pursuit Finals of the cycling-track event during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Laoshan Velodrome in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. Rebecca Remero won the gold medal. (Xinhua Photo)

Rebecca Remero of Great Britain rides in the Women’s Individual Pursuit Finals of the cycling-track event during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Laoshan Velodrome in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. Rebecca Remero won the gold medal. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Rebecca Romero of Britain won the women's individual pursuit gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Sunday.

Romero clocked in 3:28.321 to stand atop the podium, beating fellow Briton Wendy Houvenaghel to second in 3:30.395 and Lesya Kalitovska of Ukraine won the bronze in 3:31.413.

olympic spirit

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