#RoadToRio

BBC reports the number two seeds completed a 44-38 victory over China, who were champions in London four years ago.

Romania, who finished sixth in the team epee in London, were in control throughout the game after winning the opening bout.

The Russian team secured their sixth bronze of these games with a narrow 37-31 victory over Estonia.

RNZ reports the US born sprinter will run the 200m in Rio later this month, where he's hoping to break the 20 second barrier for the first time.

Last week the International Olympic Committee opted against a blanket ban on Russian athletes for the Games after evidence of state-sponsored doping of Russian athletes in the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

A three-member IOC panel will have the final say on which Russian athletes can compete at the Rio Games, reviewing all decisions taken by the international federations.

The number of delegations in the Games Village is nearing 200 by Sunday afternoon here in Rio.

206 is the full complement of nations that make up the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

IOC boss Thomas Bach reiterated his confidence at a press conference of an excellent Rio Games following all the internal and external challenges faced by the Rio Organising Committee.

Bach is expected to tour the village and have lunch at the dining hall again today.

For the Pacific Islands, two more countries have arrived- Solomons and Federated State of Micronesia.

The basketballers arrive in Rio on Wednesday (NZ time) and will be whisked to their plush accommodation which features special beds to accommodate their tall bodies.

The men's squad is studded with multi-millionaire NBA stars like Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and Kyrie Irving.

Cabins on the Italian-owned Silver Cloud, which can carry 296 guests, usually cost around $18,000 a week.

The massive boat features a pool, gym, spa and even a cigar lounge.

Paul Coffa says despite the natural talent of the Pacific lifters, they will be facing athletes with more resources and also some who have used performance enhancing drugs in the past, which means their task will be extremely difficult.

There are 15 Oceania representatives competing in Rio and Coffa said they are all in brilliant shape.

Fiji men's sevens coach Ben Ryan delivers his verdict on what lies in store at Rio 2016.

Rio is at our door. Some teams are there and others are putting their final touches to their preparation before they enter the village. For us, that’s a joint men’s and women’s camp in Santiago before coming into the athlete’s accommodation the day before the opening ceremony. The men’s side will attend that and proudly be walking behind the nation’s flag bearer – our captain and most capped Fijian sevens player of all time – Osea Kolinisau.

Bedrooms in the Olympic Village aren’t outfitted with televisions, so how will athletes pass the time?

Opeloge, who won a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, is aware that competition at the Olympic level is a whole new level.

 “I have never competed in an Olympic competition before, so this being my first time means a lot of new experiences for me,” she said.

 “All I’m doing now is preparing, training and getting my mind ready for the competition,” she said.

Opeloge has several medals to her name from regional competitions.

The 24 year old says despite stepping into unfamiliar territory in Rio, she isn’t afraid to take the challenge head on.

Paul Coffa said despite the natural talent of the Pacific lifters, they would will be up against some athletes who have been banned for drug cheating in the past, so they could only achieve so much.

"The Oceania region hasn't had anyone positive for years and years, whereas the rest of the world in our sport, produces positive (tests) year after year," he said.

As you wake up to a Wednesday morning in the Pacfic, we are closing of on a hot Tuesday here in Rio, venue for the 2016 Olympic Games which will officially open in 10 days’ time. Rio is 15 hours behind Fiji.

This morning’s Chef de Mission’s meet was attended by Cook Islands, Guam, Fiji and Vanuatu.

There was much improvement from day one, as accommodation issues were being addressed and attended too. 

There were complaints of the Brazilian military helicopters flying over the Games Village and disturbing sleep.