Reuters Sports News Summary

08/09/2016 19:51

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Golf: Americans aim for sweep, braced for wildlife, wind

The U.S. men's golf team are hoping for a sweep of the medals as they prepare to encounter a variety of wildlife as well as windy conditions that could make the sport's return to the Olympics after 112 years a high-scoring contest. While Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed and Matt Kuchar all arrived in Rio on Monday after competing at the Travelers Championship in the United States, Rickie Fowler has been in the city for several days and has played the course twice.

Gymnastics: Americans blow away opposition to win gold

There were a few wobbles here and there, even for Simone Biles, but those imperfections could not stop the United States from blowing away the opposition to capture the Olympic women's team title with a record margin on Tuesday. America's famous five of Biles, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian proved that they are an untouchable force in gymnastics as they tumbled and soared to victory with a total of 184.897 points.

Swimming: For happy Habte, it's all about being different

If some swimmers consider second place to be first of the losers, spare a thought for Ethiopian Olympic debutant Robel Kiros Habte. By the time the chubby 24-year-old had emerged for air from his opening dive off the blocks in the 100 meters freestyle heats, he was already almost a body length behind and it did not get any better.

Archery: 'Sucks' beating a team mate, says American Ellison

Three days after taking their second silver medal in the men's team event at the Olympics, Americans Brady Ellison and Jake Kaminski shared another embrace tinged with regret after facing off in the individual tournament on Tuesday. As both friends and top medal contenders in Rio, the pair had the misfortune to be drawn in the same quarter following the lottery of the ranking round on Friday.

Judo: Khalmurzaev wins Russia's second judo gold at Rio

Russia climbed to the top of the judo medal table on Tuesday as Khasan Khalmurzaev earned his country's second judo gold of the Rio Games in emphatic fashion, thrilling the crowd at the Carioca Arena. Ending his campaign with a bang, the European champion won his final two matches by ippon, judo's equivalent of a knockout, over Sergiu Toma of the United Arab Emirates in the semi-final and then American Travis Stevens in the final of the men's -81kg category.

Tennis: Serena Williams eliminated in third round upset

Olympic champion and world number one Serena Williams tumbled out of the Rio de Janeiro singles competition in the third round on Tuesday after a shock defeat to Ukraine's Elina Svitolina. Svitolina, who is ranked 20th in the world, stunned the London Games gold medalist 6-4 6-3 to record a memorable victory against the American, who has won 22 grand slam singles titles.

Swimming: Hosszu pulls out as Adrian squeaks through

Hungary's Katinka Hosszu gave up her bid for a record-equalling five solo women's Olympic swimming medals on Tuesday as some of the sport's top names also wrestled with Rio's late night schedules. Hosszu, who has already won two golds and destroyed the 400m individual medley world record, pulled out of the 200m butterfly heats to focus on the 200m IM final scheduled for 11.30pm on Tuesday.

Jeers, drug rows and Cold War echoes mar Rio mood

Russian swimming chief Vladimir Salnikov said on Tuesday the hostile atmosphere surrounding his Olympic team reminded him of the Cold War as sport, drugs and politics formed a toxic mix that is souring the mood of the Rio Games. Doping scandals overshadowed the build-up to Rio and, far from dying down as competition has got under way, have flared anew as U.S. and Australian competitors have branded their Russian and Chinese rivals as drug cheats.

Exclusive: Russian great Salnikov says atmosphere like Cold War

Russian swimming chief Vladimir Salnikov said on Tuesday the atmosphere surrounding his team at the Olympics reminded him of the Cold War, and criticized American breaststroke champion Lilly King for attacking the integrity of her Russian rival. In a tense showdown on Monday evening, King defeated Russia's Yulia Efimova, who has twice been suspended for doping violations, and stood by comments describing her as a drug cheat. The Russian was loudly booed by the Rio crowd.

NFL: Eagles tackle Johnson facing 10-game doping ban, says report

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson is facing a 10-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, according to multiple media reports on Tuesday. The reports included one on the National Football League's website.

08/09/2016 19:51