Olympics

Durant leads USA into semi-finals

The United States men's basketball team finally turned in the dominant performance everyone had been waiting for to comfortably defeat Argentina and reach the semi-finals at Rio 2016.

Mike Krzyzewski's USA team eased to a 105-78 victory on Wednesday, setting up a semi-final meeting with Spain.

Neymar is a monster - Brazil coach Micale

Brazil coach Rogerio Micale wants to understand how Neymar became "a monster" in order for the country to develop more players like him.

Neymar inspired Brazil's 6-0 win over Honduras on Wednesday, sending them into Saturday's gold medal match in emphatic fashion.

IOC fights cyberattacks during Olympics

"Throughout the games, the same in London (in 2012) when you are the center of attention of the world, there are massive attempts everyday all day long to break our security," IOC spokesman Mark Adams told the Associated Press.

"We have it all year round anyway but it's particularly intense at the moment."

The IOC is coming under "regular attack," he said.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport warned earlier this week of attempts to break into its website. The sports court is overseeing doping sanctions at the Olympics for the first time.

Murray defends singles gold after pulsating Del Potro final

Andy Murray defended his men's singles title at the Olympics, overcoming Juan Martin del Potro in a thrilling final at Rio 2016 on Sunday.

The Brit became the first player to win back-to-back singles gold medals thanks to his 7-5 4-6 6-2 7-5 victory at a loud Olympic Tennis Centre on Sunday.

US swimmer Ryan Lochte and three others robbed

Lochte, Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger and Jimmy Feigen were stopped by people posing as armed police, the US Olympic Committee (USOC) said in a statement.

The robbers demanded money and other personal belongings.

After reports emerged of the incident, the USOC initially denied that Lochte had been robbed.

"All four athletes are safe and co-operating with authorities," the USOC's statement said.

The group had been attending a party at the French Olympic team's hospitality house when their taxi was stopped on the way back to the athletes' village.

Golden performance by Fiji in sevens final

RNZ reports the World Series champions beat Great Britain 43-7 in a dominant performance at the Rio Games.

Fiji led Great Britain 29 to nil at half time and never looked like losing after that.

Fiji beat Japan 20-5 in the semi-final to make the final against Great Britain and guarantee the country its first ever Olympic medal.

 

Photo: WorldRugby

     

Olympic hopes on line for Samoa, Cooks women

RNZI reports the Manusina and Cook Islands are among 16 teams competing in this weekend's Olympic repechage in Dublin.

The winning team will claim the 12th and final place in Brazil, alongside World Series champions Australia, Oceania winners Fiji and the Olympic hosts.

Hayne praised by San Francisco 49ers coach

Kelly also doused speculation the 49ers were planning to cut Hayne, which led to the Australian making a face-saving exit.

The 49ers instead were bullish on Hayne, praising his ability to pick up Kelly's new offence and excited about using his powerful, 188cm body and skills.

"He's a really sharp learner," Kelly told reporters on Tuesday at the 49ers' Santa Clara facility.

"We were excited. He's a big body and has a skill set."

Manusina miss out on World Series spot

The Mansina conceded 108 points in losing all three pool matches against Wales, Brazil and Japan.

Things didn't get much better on day two, as they fell to Columbia 12-5 before salvaging some pride with a 22-0 win over Mexico in the 11th place playoff to avoid the wooden spoon.

Team manager Toleafoa Mara Hunter says it was an eye-opening experience.