Women's Olympic Basketball Field Set
After a final qualifying tournament in Nantes, France, the Olympic field for women's basketball is set. Perhaps no major surprises occurred in the event, with France (defending Olympic silver-medalists), Spain, China, Turkey and Belarus took the five available spots on offer in the 12-team tournament. The last two games featured Belarus - quarterfinal losers to China - fighting back to fifth place with two relatively easy wins, dispatching Argentina and then South Korea to secure the final Rio ticket.
After a final qualifying tournament in Nantes, France, the Olympic field for women's basketball is set. Perhaps no major surprises occurred in the event, with France (defending Olympic silver-medalists), Spain, China, Turkey and Belarus took the five available spots on offer in the 12-team tournament. The last two games featured Belarus - quarterfinal losers to China - fighting back to fifth place with two relatively easy wins, dispatching Argentina and then South Korea to secure the final Rio ticket.
Spain Upsets to Take Rio Rugby Spot
There was one last spot available in the inaugural Olympic rugby sevens tournament, and Spain stood tallest at the end of a long two days of action in Fontvieille, Monaco. Sixteen teams entered the final qualification event, and after initially finishing second in their group pool play behind Hong Kong, they overcame Ireland in the quarterfinals, Russia in the semifinals and then Samoa in the final. That last victory was a 22-19 win, with a try in the waning moments of the match. Spain now joins the 12-team field for Rio.
There was one last spot available in the inaugural Olympic rugby sevens tournament, and Spain stood tallest at the end of a long two days of action in Fontvieille, Monaco. Sixteen teams entered the final qualification event, and after initially finishing second in their group pool play behind Hong Kong, they overcame Ireland in the quarterfinals, Russia in the semifinals and then Samoa in the final. That last victory was a 22-19 win, with a try in the waning moments of the match. Spain now joins the 12-team field for Rio.
Australia Wins Hockey Champions
Six teams entered the biennial Champions Trophy competition concluded in London this past week, and Australia emerged victorious after a tight, shootout final in the gold-medal match. The victory over India in the final marked a strong statement for the Aussie's Rio preparations, but also signified a strength by India, perhaps finding resurgence in the sport after a long wane. Germany defeated Great Britain for third, with Belgoum and South Korea rounding out the field. All teams (minus the Koreans) will compete at the Olympics as well.
Six teams entered the biennial Champions Trophy competition concluded in London this past week, and Australia emerged victorious after a tight, shootout final in the gold-medal match. The victory over India in the final marked a strong statement for the Aussie's Rio preparations, but also signified a strength by India, perhaps finding resurgence in the sport after a long wane. Germany defeated Great Britain for third, with Belgoum and South Korea rounding out the field. All teams (minus the Koreans) will compete at the Olympics as well.
Russians Dominate Rhythmic Gymnastics Still
World Champion Yana Kudryatseva of Russia successfully defended her all-around title at the European Rhythmic Championships this week, held in Holon Israel. Reiterating an all-Russian battle for gold - and previewing Rio - she overcame a strong performance by compatriot Margarita Mamun, winning with less than .5 of a point margin. Ukrainian veteran Ganna Rizatdinova finished third. In the group competition, Russia took gold with Belarus second and host Israel third.
World Champion Yana Kudryatseva of Russia successfully defended her all-around title at the European Rhythmic Championships this week, held in Holon Israel. Reiterating an all-Russian battle for gold - and previewing Rio - she overcame a strong performance by compatriot Margarita Mamun, winning with less than .5 of a point margin. Ukrainian veteran Ganna Rizatdinova finished third. In the group competition, Russia took gold with Belarus second and host Israel third.
RSS Feed