Two Thai boxers fight for chance at gold

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Sydney: With national hero Somluck Kamsing already out, Thailand's last two Cuban-trained boxers in the Olympic competition fight on Friday for a chance to go for gold.

Wijan Ponlid takes on Vladmir Sidorenko of Ukraine in a semi-final of the 51 kg division, while Pornchai Thongburan has a very tough semi-final in the 71 kg class against Romanian Marin Simion, one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Both Thais are hoping to repeat the success of Kamsing, who won his nation's first Olympic gold in Atlanta.

Their coach Juan Fontanils, who hails from Caribbean boxing powerhouse Cuba, said before the Sydney Games that his aim was to improve on Atlanta, where Thailand won a gold and a bronze.

South Korea look to add to the gold and silver they have won so far in the new Olympic sport of taekwondo, with Lee Sun-Hee reaching the semi-final of the women's 67 kg division, where she faces Mirjam Mueskens of the Netherlands.

But China's He Lumin lost 6-5 to Sarah Stevenson of Britain. Hollywood kung-fu hero Jackie Chan has predicted Stevenson would win a medal in Sydney.

Taekwondo, an ancient martial art which resembles karate but focuses on kicks with bare feet, is Korea's national sport.

Synchronised swimming

Japan will be seeking to overtake Russia for the synchronised swimming team title after trailing slightly at the end of the technical routine.

The Russians were awarded 98.800 points and will take 35 percent of that -- 34.580 -- through to Friday's final, to be added to 65 percent of the marks for their concluding free routine.

Japan were a close second, with 98.600 points. They take 34.510 through to the final.

Japan have won five golds so far, one less than South Korea, but far behind Asian sporting giant China with 26 -- 10 more than they won in Atlanta.

China should do well in men's platform diving, with Tiang Liang and Hu Jia leading after the preliminary round.

Japan qualified 12th for the semi-finals of the men's 4x400 metres relay in a time of 3:05.21, but were far off the pace set by Nigeria (3:01.20) in winning the heats.

Sri Lanka won their heat but in a slow time of 3:06.25 that put them 15th among the qualifiers for the Friday night semi-finals.

India's quartet finished fifth in Sri Lanka's heat and well outside the slowest qualifying time.

India closed out their disappointing men's hockey tournament on Thursday with a 3-1 win over Argentina for seventh place.

Asian hopes in hockey are pinned on South Korea on Saturday when they go up against the Netherlands in the final. Pakistan play hosts Australia for the bronze medal.



(c) Reuters Limited.