Gay beats Bolt in Stockholm 100m duel

Gay beats Bolt in Stockholm 100m duel

Tyson Gay of the U.S., left, wins the men's 100m ahead of Jamaica's Usain Bolt, right, at the IAAF Diamond League 'DN Galan' at the Stockholm Olympic Stadium in Stockholm, Sweden, Friday Aug. 6, 2010.

STOCKHOLM, Aug. 6 -- World record holder and Olympic champion Usain Bolt crashed to his first defeat in two years on Friday.

America's Tyson Gay won their eagerly-awaited 100m clash at the Stockholm Diamond League meeting.

Gay clocked 9.84 seconds to edge down Bolt, who was second in 9. 97 seconds while Trinidad's Richard Thompson was third in 10.10 seconds. The American always looked in complete control against world record-holder Bolt.

A sellout crowd in the 1912 Olympic Stadium was silent before the race between the two fastest men of all time. And the tension increased among the 20,000 spectators even further after two false starts.

The pair raced side by side in lanes four and five and Gay looked comfortable throughout, slowly pulling away while the Jamaican was straining to keep up in the highly anticipated race.

"I'm really happy with the win, even though Usain Bolt isn't in the best shape," Gay said.

Bolt has ran faster this year, timing 9.82 a month ago in Lausanne, Switzerland.

"I think (today) showed that I wasn't in the best of shape," Bolt said. "I'm not unbeatable. I can be beaten and it showed today. This is my easy season. If you don't beat me this season it 's not going to happen next season because next year is a championship year."

The sprinters both looked like they left plenty in reserve when they cruised through the heats, and so it proved for Gay when it came to the final.

Asafa Powell of Jamaica pulled out of the race on Wednesday with a back injury, denying fans the chance to see the first race between the world's three fastest men since Bolt stormed to a new world record of 9.58 last August at the world championships in Berlin.

In other events, Darya Klishna of Russia beat a top-class field in the women's long jump with 6.78 meters. Brittney Reese of the United States was second with 6.75, and European silver medallist Naide Gomes of Portugal third with 6.72.

American Bershawn Jackson set a new stadium record of 47.65 in the 400 hurdles. Javier Culson of Puerto Rico was a distant second in 48.50 and Angelo Taylor of the United States was third in 49.57.

Tyson Gay of the U.S. reacts after winning the men's 100m race ahead of Jamaica's Usain Bolt, not pictured, at the IAAF Diamond League 'DN Galan' at the Stockholm Olympic Stadium in Stockholm, Sweden, Friday Aug. 6, 2010.
(AFP)

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Phelps gears up for U.S. Nationals

Phelps gears up for U.S. Nationals

Michael Phelps adjusts his headphones before competing in heat 14 of the Men's 100m Butterfly event at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California August 5, 2010.

Michael Phelps looks around before competing in the heats of the Men's 100m Butterfly event at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California August 5, 2010.

Swimmer Michael Phelps dives off the start blocks while on his way to winning the men's 200m freestyle event at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, August 4, 2010.

Swimmer Michael Phelps dives off the start blocks while on his way to winning the men's 200m freestyle event at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, August 4, 2010.

Ryan Lochte (R) and Michael Phelps look at the timing board after heat 17 of the men's 200 meters freestyle event at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California August 4, 2010. Lochte won the heat ahead of 14-times Olympic champion Phelps.

Michael Phelps competes in heat 17 of the men's 200 meters freestyle event at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California August 4, 2010. The 14-times Olympic champion finished second in the heat.

Michael Phelps competes during heat 11 of the men's 200 meters butterfly event at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California August 4, 2010. The 14-times Olympic champion finished first among all the heats at 1:57.54.

Michael Phelps competes during heat 11 of the men's 200 meters butterfly event at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California August 4, 2010. The 14-times Olympic champion finished first among all the heats at 1:57.54.
(Reuters)

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Bubba Watson shines in Ohio as Tiger Woods flounders

Bubba Watson shines in Ohio as Tiger Woods flounders

BEIJING, Aug. 6 - Bubba Watson fired a first-round 64 to lead the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational by two shots as Tiger Woods looked set to lose his world number one ranking, according to BBC reports Friday.

Bubba Watson watches his putt just miss the hole on the 16th hole during first round play at the WCG Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament in Akron, Ohio August 5, 2010.

Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the seventh hole during first round play at the WCG Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament in Akron, Ohio August 5, 2010.

Tiger Woods watches his tee shot on the fourth hole during first round play at the WCG Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament in Akron, Ohio August 5, 2010.

Tiger Woods hits from a sand bunker near the fifth hole during first round play at the WCG Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament in Akron, Ohio August 5, 2010.

Tiger Woods tosses grass to check the wind on the 17th hole during first round play at the WCG Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament in Akron, Ohio August 5, 2010.

Bubba Watson watches his tee shot on the 17th hole during first round play at the WCG Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament in Akron, Ohio August 5, 2010.
(Reuters)

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Italian, Dutch win open water gold at European swimming championship

Italian, Dutch win open water gold at European swimming championship

Appoline Dreyfuss and Chloe Willhelm of France perform in the women's synchronized swimming duet free routine preliminaries at the European Swimming Championships in Budapest August 5, 2010.


BUDAPEST, Aug. 5 -- On day two of the European swimming championships in Hungary on Thursday, Luca Ferretti of Italy and Linsy Heister of the Netherlands won the men's 5km and women's 10km open water events.

The races took place at Balatonfured on Lake Balaton, 120km south-west of Budapest.

Italy won all three medals in the men's race. Ferretti won gold with a time of 58 minutes 43.4 seconds, beating compatriots Simone Ercoli and Simone Ruffini into the silver and bronze positions.

Ruffini tied with Spyridon Gianniotis of Greece for third place. Title holder Thomas Lurz of Germany, who won the 10km race on Wednesday, was fifth.

Heister won the women's 10km event in 2 hours 1 minute, 6.7 seconds, less than a second ahead of Georgia Consiglio of Italy. Germany's Angela Maurer took bronze.

The first week of the competition features synchronized swimming in Budapest and open water distance swimming in Balatonfured while the pool events begin in Budapest next Monday.

Linsy Heister of the Netherlands sucks a power drink as she swims to win a gold medal in the women's 10km open water race at the European Swimming Championships in the Lake Balaton in Balatonfured August 5, 2010.

Anastasia Gloushkov and Inna Yoffe of Israel perform in the women's synchronized swimming duet free routine preliminaries at the European Swimming Championships in Budapest August 5, 2010.

Nadine Brandl and Lang Livia of Austria perform in the women's synchronized swimming duet free routine preliminaries at the European Swimming Championships in Budapest August 5, 2010.

Nadine Brandl and Lang Livia of Austria perform in the women's synchronized swimming duet free routine preliminaries at the European Swimming Championships in Budapest August 5, 2010.

Italy's Giorgia Consiglio reacts after winning the silver medal in the women's 10km open water race at the European Swimming Championships in Lake Balaton in Balatonfured August 5, 2010. Dutch swimmer Linsy Heister won the gold medal while Germany's Angela Maurer won the bronze.
(Reuters)

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Anderlecht beats New Saints at Belgian Champions League match

Anderlecht beats New Saints at Belgian Champions League match

Anderlecht's Matias Suarez (L) fights for the ball with The New Saints' Daniel Holmes (R) during their Champions League third qualifying round soccer match at the Constant Vanden Stock stadium in Brussels, August 3, 2010.

Anderlecht's Romelu Lukaku (C) celebrates his goal against The New Saints with team mates during their Champions League third qualifying round soccer match at the Constant Vanden Stock stadium in Brussels, August 3, 2010.

Anderlecht's Tom De Sutter (L) celebrates with team mate Sacha Kljestan (R) after scoring against The New Saints during their Champions League third qualifying round soccer match at the Constant Vanden Stock stadium in Brussels, August 3, 2010.

Anderlecht's Tom De Sutter (C) celebrates with team mates after scoring against The New Saints during their Champions League third qualifying round soccer match at the Constant Vanden Stock stadium in Brussels, August 3, 2010.
(Reuters)

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Mexican soccer star Rafael Marquez joins Red bulls team

Mexican soccer star Rafael Marquez joins Red bulls team

Mexican soccer star Rafael Marquez holds his new jersey while being introduced as the newest member of the New York Red bulls of Major League Soccer (MLS) at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, August 3, 2010. At right is Red Bulls Director of Global Soccer Dietmar Beiersdorfer and at left is Red Bulls General Manager Eric Solar.

Mexican soccer star Rafael Marquez walks to the field while being introduced as the newest member of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer (MLS) at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, August 3, 2010.

Mexican soccer star Rafael Marquez speaks at a news conference while being introduced as the newest member of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer (MLS) at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, August 3, 2010.

Mexican soccer star Rafael Marquez holds a New York Red Bulls banner while being introduced as the newest member of the Red bulls of Major League Soccer (MLS) at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, August 3, 2010. At left is Red Bulls Director of Global Soccer Dietmar Beiersdorfer and at right is Red Bulls General Manager Eric Solar.

Mexican soccer star Rafael Marquez receives his jersey while being introduced as the newest member of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer (MLS) at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, August 3, 2010. With Marquez are (from L-R) Red Bulls Director of Global Soccer Dietmar Beiersdorfer, Marquez, Red Bulls General Manager Eric Solar and Red Bulls Head Coach Hans Backe.
(Reuters)

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Highlights of U.S. National Swimming Championships

Highlights of U.S. National Swimming Championships

Natalie Coughlin competes in the heats of the Women's 100m Butterfly event at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California August 3, 2010.

Rebecca Soni swims the butterfly style during the heats of the Women's 200m Individual Medley event at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California August 3, 2010.

Eric Shanteau swims during heats for the men's 100 meter breaststroke at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California August 3, 2010. Shanteau placed second in his heat.

Natalie Coughlin competes in the heats of the Women's 100m Butterfly event at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California August 3, 2010.

Peter Vanderkaay finishes first overall during heats for the men's 400 meters freestyle swimming event at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California August 3, 2010.

Ryan Lochte swims the breast-stroke during heats for the men's 400 meters individual medley at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California August 3, 2010.

World record holder Ariana Kukors swims the breaststroke during the heats of the Women's 200m Individual Medley event at the U.S. National Swimming Championships in Irvine, California August 3, 2010. Kukors placed third in her heat.
(Reuters)

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Gatlin wins 100-meter comeback race in Estonia

Gatlin wins 100-meter comeback race in Estonia

U.S. sprinter and 2004 Olympic 100 metres champion Justin Gatlin prepares for his first run since 2006 in Rakvere August 3, 2010. Gatlin won the final in his comeback meeting on Tuesday after a four-year doping ban in a time of 10.24 seconds.

U.S. sprinter and 2004 Olympic 100 metres champion Justin Gatlin finishes a 100m heat in Rakvere August 3, 2010. Gatlin was banned since 2006 for doping.

U.S. sprinter Justin Gatlin greets spectators after winning the 100 metres final at the KuldLiiga meeting in Rakvere August 3, 2010.

U.S. sprinter Justin Gatlin embraces the mascot after finishing the 100 metres final at the KuldLiiga meeting in Rakvere August 3, 2010. Gatlin ran his first competitive race on Tuesday after a four-year doping ban.
(Reuters)

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Barcelona stars train for friendly match with South Korea

Barcelona stars train for friendly match with South Korea

Barcelona's Lionel Messi of Argentina fights for the ball with his teammates during a training session in Seoul August 3, 2010. South Korea's K-league all-star soccer team and Spain's Barcelona will have match in Seoul on Aug. 4.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi of Argentina kicks the ball during a training session in Seoul August 3, 2010.

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi of Argentina smiles during a training session in Seoul August 3, 2010.
(Xinhua)

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Arsenal defeats Celtics to life Emirates Cup trophy

Arsenal defeats Celtics to life Emirates Cup trophy

Arsenal players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Emirates Cup soccer tournament at the Emirates Stadium, London, Britain, August 1, 2010. Arsenal defeated Celtics 3-2.

Johan Djourou (above) of Arsenal goes for a header in the second day match between Arsenal and Celtics during the Emirates Cup soccer tournament at the Emirates Stadium, London, Britain, August 1, 2010.

Andrey Arshavin (L) of Arsenal vies with Cha Du-Ri of Celtics during the second day of the Emirates Cup soccer tournament at the Emirates Stadium, London, Britain, Aug 1, 2010.

Carlos Vela (C) of Arsenal celebrates for his goal in the second day match between Arsenal and Celtics during the Emirates Cup soccer tournament at the Emirates Stadium, London, Britain, Aug 1, 2010.
(Xinhua)

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AC Milan ties with Lyon at Emirates Cup soccer tournament

AC Milan ties with Lyon at Emirates Cup soccer tournament

AC Milan's goalkeeper Marco Amelia (L) grabs the shot by Jimmy Briand (R) of Lyon during the second day match between AC Milan and Lyon at the Emirates Cup soccer tournament at the Emirates Stadium, London, Britain, August 1, 2010. The match ended in 1-1 draw.

Borriello (R) of AC Milan heads for the ball with Cris of Lyon during the second day match between AC Milan and Lyon at the Emirates Cup soccer tournament at the Emirates Stadium, London, Britain, August 1, 2010.

Michel Bastos (L) of Lyon takes a freekick during the second day match between AC Milan and Lyon at the Emirates Cup soccer tournament at the Emirates Stadium, London, Britain, Aug 1, 2010.

(Xinhua)

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