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Saturday, August 9, 2008

Day 1 RECAP: Cycling, Fencing, Weightlifting and Shooting Higlight First Medals of Olympics

With the exception of the late basketball game that is ongoing in Beijing, Day 1 has come and gone (though it is just starting in the United States on NBC). Medals were awarded in various sports and the battle between the United States and China for the gold medal count got well underway.

The first medal of these games was awarded to Czech Republic's Katalina Emmons after he consistent win in the women's 10m air rifle shooting competition. She was in front coming into the final with 400 points after qualification and was on track to break an Olympic record. She never lost the lead and won with a score of 503.5.

And China won its first gold medal in weightlifting behind Xiexia Chen, who won by lifting an Olympic record weight of 212 kg in the women's 48 kg weight class. Shortly thereafter, China won its second gold medal back at the Beijing Shooting Hall in the Men's Air Pistol event when Pang Wei dominated the competition.

But the United States easily took the lead in the medal count when they swept the Women's Individual Sabre Event, led by Mariel Zagunis when she defeated Sada Jacobson in the final. Rebecca Ward won the bronze medal.

The big medal event of the day took place on the streets of Beijing in the men's cycling road race. Spain's Samuel Sanchez won the race off a sprint off with Italy's Davide Rebellin. The finish took place near the Great Wall of China and lasted 281 kilometers and over six hours. Tomorrow, the women race on the streets of Beijing.

Preliminary round action continued for women's soccer and the United States kept medal hopes alive after defeating Japan 1-0 in Qinhuangdao. Carli Lloyd scored the only goal of the game off a cross shot from Stephanie Cross in the 27th minute. This win puts them back in contention after their 2-0 loss to Norway on Wednesday. In other games, Canada and China finished in a 1-1 draw while both Brazil and Germany won their respective games.

In women's basketball, South Korea outlasted Brazil, 68-62, in overtime after the two squads were tied at 55-55. The United States dominated Czech Republic in their first game on the road to defending their gold medal title that they won in Athens. The Americans are going for their fourth consecutive gold medal.

Qualifications took place in men's gymnastics and the United States are at the top of their qualifying group through two subdivisions while China posted the best scores of the night. China is the heavy favorite in the men's team final. And in swimming, Michael Phelps swam the best qualifying time in the 400 meter individual medley with the final taking place later tonight (Sunday morning in Beijing).

Check NOW Sports Daily later today for a full preview of Day 2 of competition.

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