Reuters Sports News Summary

08/04/2016 12:59

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

American rivals to feel 'full wrath' of lightning quick Bolt

Usain Bolt is promising to let American sprinter Justin Gatlin "feel his full wrath" as he zones in on an unprecedented treble-treble of gold medals at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Bolt was given a medical exemption by Jamaican officials to compete at the Rio Games after he pulled a hamstring during the Olympic trials and Gatlin wasted little opportunity in trying to get under the 29-year-old's skin.

Baseball, surfing among sports approved for Tokyo 2020 : IOC

Five sports, including baseball, skateboarding and surfing, will feature at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after the IOC voted them in on Wednesday in an attempt to revamp the Games program to attract a younger audience. The International Olympic Committee unanimously rubber-stamped the decision taken by its executive board in June, approving the inclusion of skateboarding, surfing, sports climbing, karate and a joint baseball/softball bid, which is expected to significantly boost local support for the Olympics.

Guardiola impact at Man City may take time - De Bruyne

Belgian international Kevin De Bruyne has warned it may take time for new coach Pep Guardiola to build a side and implement his playing style at Manchester City. The 25-year-old midfielder is one of several City players who featured at Euro 2016 and the Copa America in the close season and he only returned to training on Thursday after an extended break.

Insight - Olympic tycoon's golden ticket: exclusive rights to sell the Games

Like thousands of Olympics fans worldwide, Matthew Rose started planning his family trip to the Rio Games many months in advance. The Atlanta-based sports trainer knew it wouldn't be cheap, but in January he grew concerned when he looked into buying the event tickets.

IOC clears all 11 Russian boxers to compete in Rio: AIBA

All 11 Russian boxers who qualified for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics have been given the all clear to compete at the Games following confirmation from the IOC, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) said on Thursday. AIBA said it had been notified of the decision by the International Olympic Committee's three-member panel, responsible for reviewing the eligibility of all Russian athletes who are approved to compete by their international federations.

Weightlifting : CAS upholds ban on Russians

There will be no Russian weightlifters at the Rio Olympics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday rejected the country's appeal against a ban imposed by the sport's governing body, the IWF. The Russian team were banned last week after the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) said "the integrity of weightlifting has been seriously damaged on multiple times and levels by the Russians."

Phelps thrilled to be U.S. flag bearer

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 18 gold medals among his career haul of 22, said it was a dream come true to be chosen to carry the U.S. flag in Friday's opening ceremony at the Rio Games. "To lead our country into this Olympics is something I honestly never thought I would have the opportunity to do," the 31-year-old told reporters on Wednesday.

Djokovic to play Del Potro in first round

Top seed Novak Djokovic faces a hazardous first round at the Rio Olympics after Thursday's draw pitted him against Argentine powerhouse Juan Martin del Potro, the man who denied him a medal four years ago in London. The 29-year-old Serb, beaten by Del Potro in the bronze medal match at the 2012 Games, is bidding to become only the third man to win all four grand slam singles titles, the Davis Cup and Olympic gold, after Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal.

Pacquiao to make ring return against Vargas - report

Manny Pacquiao will take on American World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Jessie Vargas when he returns to the ring on Nov. 5, according to the Filipino boxer's manager Michael Koncz. "Retirement doesn't suit Manny right now," Koncz told the Los Angeles Times of the former eight-division world champion.

Russia: IOC allows about 270 Russian sportspeople to compete at Rio - TASS

The Russian Olympic Committee said on Thursday it had received documents from the International Olympic Committee saying about 270 Russian sportspeople could compete at the Rio Olympics, the TASS news agency reported. "We have received documents on the admission of about 270 sportspeople, now we need to do the updated counting," TASS cited Alexander Zhukov, the head of the Russian committee, as saying.

08/04/2016 12:59