Away we go again. 8.40 on Thursday and Japan are playing Korea in the women’s hockey on the blue pitch. No score early doors. Plenty of good stuff to come though with track cycling and rowing hopefully providing team GB with more success. In the tennis Djokovic meets Tsonga on centre court.
We have the men’s singles semis in the table tennis where an all Chinese final is on the cards. In the badminton we have the men’s doubles this morning. There are 7 countries represented but only Denmark from Europe.
Half time in the hockey and there is no score. In the badminton quarters the Malaysian pair are leading the Thais 19.13 in the first set – entertaining stuff. There is a spectacular game in the men’s basketball between France and Lithuanian – 25.21 to the French so far.
Latvia have taken the first set in the men’s beach volleyball but Holland are staging a comeback in the second as it is all square at 16 all. France lead Lithuania 37.35 and back at the hockey Korea have gone 1.0 up. GB lead Egypt in the women’s team foil and it’s time I went off to work! More later – rowing, tennis, etc.
Lunchtime now and we have reached the quarter finals of the women’s archery. South Korea take on Russia. The first set is shared score 1-1. Russia takes the 3rd set and we are 3 all. 4th set goes to Korea and Korea just need a point to go through. After 2 arrows it’s 18 each – tension mounts. Russia shoots 9. Buillseye to win. 10 it is Korea go though.
Medals all over the place for Team GB. According to the press before the games there was little cause for optimism from our judo team after the entire coaching staff was replaced. Gemma Gibbons a 25 year old from South London proved the critics wrong though with a silver just beaten by an American in the final. It was the gold in the shooting though after a tense finish the world record holder in double trap, 6 foot 6 Peter Wilson won his event.
At Eton Dorney Great Britain’s lightweight men’s four won a gutsy silver just edged out by South Africa. We went even better in the canoeing slalom winning gold and silver. Tim Baillie and Etienne Stott were surprise winners pushing the more fancied Britons David Florence and Richard Hounslow into second.
The Women’s archery final went to the favourite Bo Bae Ki from South Korea despite a spirited display from the Mexican Aida Roman. Earlier in the day at Eton Dorney USA won the women’s 8s.
Back live and Roger Federer is playing John Isner. The game is going with serve at the moment. The track cycling has started with the men’s and women’s team sprint finals coming up later. It’s Spain v USA in the women’s beach volleyball with the winners to top Group B.
Badminton the men’s doubles has reached the semi finals stage with the 4 teams from Malaysia, China, Denmark and South Korea. The mixed doubles will feature 2 Chinese pairs with Denmark and Indonesia to fight for the bronze. In the women’s singles there are 2 Chinese, a Thai and a lady from India. The women’s doubles semis feature Russia, Japan, Canada and of course China.
Men’s Basketball. In Group A USA are unbeaten with France going best of the rest. In Group B Brazil v Russia is an important game tonight. In the womens competition USA and China top Group A France and Russia are 100%.
In the men’s handball France and Spain head their groups. In the women’s competition there are some important games tomorrow. Croatia v Montenegro and Korea v France.
In the men’s hockey we have a crucial game tomorrow morning against Pakistan who we beat in the London 1948 games in the semi finals. Our women’s team are going well and should beat Belgium tonight.
Back to the beach volleyball and it’s 17.16 to USA. Tennis again and Federer has the first set. Cycling now and Pendleton and Varnish looking for a polished performance in their heat against the Ukraine. GB win easily but it looks as though we will be disqualified.
Tea time now and it’s Sharapova v Clijsters with the Russian taking thr first set. In the mixed doubles Andy Murray and Laura Robson are a set up.
Great win in the team spring for GB beating the French. Chris Hoy showing just what Bran Flakes can do!
The Belgium v GB hockey is under way and it’s 6 all in the tie break in the mixed doubles. Great shot from Robson and it’s match point. Now it’s 7.8 and set point to the Czechs. One set all and the match will be settled by a match tine break.
In the badminton Lin Dan has beaten Sasaki of Japan and goes into the semi finals. GB 7.5 up in the tennis after 5 straight winning points. Murray ace – 8.5. That’s it well done Robson and Murray. Sam Stosur and Leighton Hewitt in the next round. We are 1.0 up in the hockey.
Women’s all round gold in the Gymnastics has gone to Gabrielle Douglas.
Boxing now and Josh Taylor takes on the world number 1 Valentino of Italy in the lightweight competition. A spirited effort from the Scot but the experience of the Italian prevailed and he goes through 15.10. Another win for Italy in the womem’s team foil
It’s the medal ceremony for the 200m individual medley with Michael Phelps getting his gold medal – his 20th Olympic medal! The hockey ends 3.0 to GB.
Phew – bedtime.
ahorse 