Lee taken all the way

World number one Lee Chong Wei survived a huge scare before booking his place in the last 16 of the men's Singles.
The top seed was taken to three games by Finn Ville Lang in a late-night thriller at Wembley Arena, but produced a strong finish to prevail 21-8 14-21 21-11.

Lee had been troubled in the build-up to London 2012 by an ankle injury and showed signs of rustiness as world number 45 Lang fought back in the second game.

Although the Malaysian eventually came through by winning 10 of the last 11 points, his performance will offer encouragement to his rivals, particularly reigning champion Lin Dan.

Lin, the Chinese superstar and second seed, looked in superb form as he brushed aside Ireland's Scott Evans earlier in the day.

Lee, who plans to retire after the Games, said: 'I am only mentally strong because I have had an injury and I am still not 100%.

'But I had nothing to lose and I just tried my best.'

Danish veteran Peter Gade, playing his fourth and last Olympics at the age of 35, started his latest bid for gold with an easy win over Portugal's Pedro Martins.

Watched by Crown Prince Frederik, the Sydney 2000 semi-finalist and fifth seed won 21-15 21-8.

The day's highest-profile casualty was Japan's eighth seed Kenichi Tago, who crashed out after a shock loss to Sri Lanka's Niluka Karunaratne.
The big guns in the women's Singles had no such trouble.

Chinese pair Wang Yihan and Wang Xin, seeds one and two respectively, both reached the last 16 with comfortable wins in a morning session.

Visitors in the afternoon were denied a potentially thrilling finish in a men's Doubles match between Thailand's Bodin Isara and Maneepong Jongjit and the Poles Adam Cwalina and Michal Logosz.

The Polish pair were trailing 17-15 in a deciding game when Logosz snapped an Achilles tendon landing awkwardly after jumping. He left the arena in a wheelchair and the Thais won by default.

The USA's 2005 world champions Howard Bach, 33, and Tony Gunawan, 37, announced their retirement after going down to a third successive loss in the men's Doubles, this time to Japan's Naoki Kawamae and Shoji Sato.

Republic of Korea's Lee Yong-dae saw his hopes of defending the Mixed Doubles title ended as he and new partner Ha Jung-eun lost 21-15 21-12 to Danes Thomas Laybourn and Kamilla Rytter Juhl.

Teenage star Meilutyte claims gold

Ruta Meilutyte has become Olympic Games champion at the age of 15 by claiming Lithuania's first Swimming medal with victory in the 100m Breaststroke.

The teenager made her intentions clear throughout the rounds, setting a new European record in the heats, and was fastest into the final.

Meilutyte led from start to finish and held off a fast-finishing Rebecca Soni, the Beijing silver medallist, to win in 1:05.55.

While the youngster's achievement was the highlight of the night for the crowd, who were clearly moved by what she had done, it was a thrilling night at the Aquatics Centre.

Yannick Agnel won his second, and France's third, gold in 24 hours when he led from start to finish to take the 200m Freestyle title in 1:43.14, the fastest ever in a textile suit.

Talking about France's success in the pool this week, Agnel said 'We are very pleased because it is a reward for several years of very hard work. It's pure happiness.'

Beijing silver medallist Park Tae Hwan and 400m Freestyle champion Sun Yang shared second, with world champion Ryan Lochte locked out in fourth.

Teenager Missy Franklin won her first individual medal when she took the 100m Backstroke title in 58.33, with her fellow American Matt Grevers setting a new Olympic record of 52.16 in the men's equivalent.

Asked about her win, Franklin said 'It's incredible. I dreamt about it all my life and I can't believe it happened at 17 (years old). I cannot put it into words, it's incredible. I still feel like I am in a dream and someone has to pinch me.'

The Flame visits Brands Hatch as it travels to Guildford

On Day 63 of the Olympic Torch Relay, 140 Torchbearers will carry the Flame as it travels 105.24 miles from Maidstone to Guildford.

On its journey, the Flame will be carried around the track at Brands Hatch, Sevenoaks. The internationally-renowned motor racing circuit is the venue for the London 2012 Paralympic Road Cycling events.

Torchbearer highlights include David Boyle carrying the Flame in a rowing boat at Maidstone Rowing Club. David has been a member of the Salvation Army for many years and he also helps people in his community with personal counselling, assisting the lonely and aged and helping the jobless seek employment. David has also been a hospital radio presenter for several years. 

Olympian Roger Black will carry the Flame in Godalming. He was hugely popular during the fourteen years he represented Great Britain in international athletics and remains highly admired by many for overcoming several serious injuries and setbacks during his career.

Austin Playfoot, the last Torchbearer of the day, will light a celebration cauldron on stage at the evening celebration. Austin, 82, was a Torchbearer in 1948 and he helped launch the Torch design under the Olympic Rings in St Pancras International station in June 2011.

The evening celebration takes place at Stoke Park, Guildford and includes performances from Rizzle Kicks, dance duo Twist and Pulse and other dance acts.

The Flame will travel through the following communities on day 63: Maidstone, Gillingham, Chatham, Rochester, Higham, Gravesend, Brands Hatch, Borough Green, Seal, Sevenoaks, Riverhead, Godstone, Bletchingley, Redhill, Reigate, Dorking, Westcott, Shere, Chilworth, Godalming and Guildford.

Surrey gears up for the Games with giant Olympic Rings

A large set of Olympic Rings has been unveiled in Surrey, a week before the Olympic Cycling Road Races come to Box Hill.

The Olympic Rings have been installed on the side of the National Trust's Box Hill. Made of aluminium they are approximately 15m wide by 7m high and will be an exciting feature in the county for the duration of the Olympic Games. 

The Road Races take place on the 28 July and 29 July and spectators at Box Hill are set to get a fantastic view of the events.

Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: 'The Olympic Rings are an iconic symbol, inspiring athletes and uniting people around the world.  These Rings will excite and inspire local people and visitors to Box Hill.'

Andy Wright, National Trust Countryside Manager for the Surrey Hills, added: 'We're so proud to showcase this special place to the world. For us the Rings are a symbol of what an amazing place Box Hill is, what an amazing journey it has been on over the past few years and what a fantastic legacy the Olympics will leave here, particularly for wildlife.'

Some areas of Box Hill are set aside for ticketed spectators only. If you're thinking of going to watch the Road Race and you don't have a ticket, read this advice and information

Record field targets Shooting medals

A record number of athletes are set to take part in the London 2012 Shooting competition.

The day will begin with bells ringing across the UK, as quickly and loudly as possible, at 8.12am for three minutes. This is part of the London 2012 Festival commission 'All The Bells' by Turner Prize winning artist Martin Creed.

Anyone can take part by ringing any kind of bell for three minutes – from change ringing experts to enthusiastic children with hand bells, bicycle bells and doorbells.

The latest update of the free official London 2012 Join In mobile application allows anyone to play the Martin Creed bell sequence by tapping or shaking their phone like a hand bell. Find out more at www.london2012.com/mobileapps

Friday 27 July marks the final day of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. After being carried through the world's oldest hedge maze at Hampton Court Palace the Flame will board The Queen's Rowbarge 'Gloriana' where a ceremonial cauldron will be lit.

Over the course of the morning seven Torchbearers on board the Gloriana will light a Torch from the cauldron and carry the Flame for about eight minutes each.

The finale to the public participation in the Torch Relay will see the last Torchbearer on the Gloriana carry the Flame to Tower Bridge at approximately 12.45pm. The Flame will then remain out of view until it appears at the Opening Ceremony that evening.

The worldwide broadcast of Danny Boyle's 'Isles of Wonder' Olympic Opening Ceremony will commence at 9pm to an estimated audience of 1 billion people around the world.

London welcomes the Olympic Flame

The Olympic Flame arrived in London in spectacular fashion this evening with the help of the Royal Navy's Commando Helicopter Force (CHF), in advance of its seven-day tour of the capital.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG), Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Lutfur Rahman, Mayor of Tower Hamlets and General the Lord Dannatt, Constable of the Tower of London, hosted a special welcome event at HM Tower of London to mark the Flame's arrival.

During its time in the capital, the Olympic Flame will be carried by 982 Torchbearers and travel around 200 miles of the capital's streets, taking in landmarks, community spaces and places to showcase London to the world.

First Torchbearers in the capital 

Dame Kelly Holmes, who won 800m and 1500m gold at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games wasthe first Torchbearer in the capital in recognition of her success as athlete, her sports coaching and mentoring programmes and her involvement in London's bid to host the Games. She carried the Olympic Flame from Tower Wharf up on to the ramparts of the Tower of London where she handed it to Abul Kasam, 30, a resident of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

London's moment to shine

Sebastian Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: "With the eyes of the world on London, we welcome the Olympic Flame to the capital this evening in spectacular style. The week ahead will see hundreds of inspiring people enjoying their moment to shine as they carry the Flame through the streets of every London Borough as the final countdown to the London 2012 Games begins."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, said: "The breathtaking arrival of the Olympic Flame heralds the final countdown to what will be the greatest Games, in the greatest city on earth, during what is truly a summer like no other."

One-off spectacle thrills crowds in London

A one-day performance of a dazzling, action-packed spectacular is underway today at iconic locations around London.

Streb Extreme Action performers will appear at landmarks around the city, taking spectators by surprise with their feats.

The performance – called 'Surprises: Streb' – is designed as a sudden explosion of human energy and art that appears out of the blue.

Choreographed by Streb founder Elizabeth Streb, the performance will show the human body being pushed to its limits through dare-devil feats of extreme athleticism.
 
For information about where to catch the event around the city, members of the public are invited to follow @SurprisesSTREB on Twitter or to check the Facebook page www.facebook.com/STREBSLAM

Surprises: Streb is one of several high-profile events being presented by the Mayor of London and the London 2012 Festival to celebrate the Games.
 
Ruth Mackenzie, Director of the London 2012 Festival, said: 'Elizabeth Streb's Surprises: Streb is a wonderful and inspiring element of the 12-week UK-wide festival celebrating the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad. We're in the middle of a truly amazing series of events.'
 
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'I am thrilled that we've been able to bring Elizabeth Streb's incredible dancers to the capital. The awe-inspiring jeopardy they will bring to our landmark buildings promises to be one of the most mind-blowing highlights of the year.'

Team Welcome Ceremony Rehearsal in London

The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has released the official national anthems which will be played at Team Welcome and Victory Ceremonies throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The anthems will be played for the first time is at the Team Welcome Ceremonies which begin tomorrow, as athletes arrive to the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

Over 200 national anthems have been arranged by British composer, conductor and cellist Philip Sheppard and were recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. 36 musicians have spent 50 recording hours over 6 days to record the anthems which will now be played at over 100 Team Welcome Ceremonies and 805 Victory Ceremonies in the run up to and during the Games.

The Ceremonies have been created produced and choreographed by The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain (NYT) who will also perform the shows. As well as a performance by the NYT, the Team Welcome Ceremonies will also consist of protocol moments including the playing of the national anthems and raising of flags by members of the Armed Forces.

Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: 'Teams from all over the world are coming to London and the Athletes' Village will become their home throughout the Games. The National Youth Theatre will ensure that the Team Welcome Ceremonies will provide the warmest welcome to London and help create an environment for them to prepare for what could be the greatest moment in their sporting careers.'

The official London 2012 national anthems will also be played at Victory Ceremonies where medal winning athletes can formally celebrate their success.

Olympic Flame travels from Portsmouth to Brighton and Hove

Today the Olympic Flame will visit Cass Sculpture Park and Arundel Castle on its 94.70-mile journey from Portsmouth to Brighton and Hove.

The first Torchbearer of the day starting inside Fratton Park is John Jenkins, 92, who was nominated for his life-long support of Portsmouth Football Club.

Throughout the day the Flame will be carried by 131 Torchbearers, including Sally Gunnell and Robin Cousins.

Jason Saw, 42, from Brighton will carry the Flame into the grounds of Arundel Castle. Jason was nominated through the Lloyds TSB campaign for his leadership of a project which aims to tackle mental illness in the Brighton Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans community.

The last Torchbearer of the day is nursing sister Karen West, 60, from Worthing who will carry the Flame onto the stage for the evening celebration in Sussex County Cricket Club in Brighton and Hove.

The Flame will travel through the following communities: Portsmouth, Petersfield, Rogate, Midhurst, Easebourne, Tillington, Petworth, Duncton, Chicheser, North Bersted, South Bertsted, Bognor Regis, Woodgate, Westergate, Arundel, Worthing, Lancing, West Blatchington and Brighton and Hove.

London prepares to welcome the Olympic Flame

The London 2012 Organising Committee today confirmed plans for the Olympic Flame's final journey down the River Thames on Friday 27 July, and revealed a selection of highlights for its seven-day journey around London.

Having visited over 1,000 communities around the UK and celebrated the achievements of over 7,000 Torchbearers to date, the Olympic Torch Relay – presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung – will see the Flame carried by 982 Torchbearers around 200 miles of the capital's streets, on the final leg of its journey.

The final day of the Relay – 27 July – will see 18 Torchbearers carry the Flame, seven of whom will travel with it down the River Thames on Gloriana, the royal barge.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: 'Thank you to everyone who has cheered on the Torchbearers right around the UK and helped to build the excitement towards the start of the Games. With eleven days to go until the Olympic Flame the lights the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony it is great to see London ready to welcome the Flame and set to celebrate inspiring people and amazing places in each and every Borough.'

Given the huge and enthusiastic crowds that have followed the Olympic Torch Relay on its journey around the UK, LOCOG and Transport for London (TfL) advised that the week when the Olympic Torch Relay is in London is expected to be exceptionally busy.

Londoners wishing to watch the Relay are advised to stay local and try to view the Flame when it passes through the area nearest to home or place of work. Travel updates and information can be found on the Get Ahead of the Games website

Olympic Flame to visit Seven Sisters Cliffs and Tonbridge Castle

Begining its journey at the pavilion Gardens, Brighton, 137 Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame during day 60 of the Olympic Torch Relay.

The first Torchbearer of the day will be Zachary Narvaez, 17 from Brighton and Hove. Zach was nominated for being an outstanding pupil at Dorothy Stringer School, setting up a charity to raise money for hospices and cancer research and is Chair of the school council.

Along the way, the Flame will take in the Seven Sisters Cliffs, with Beachy Head providing a spectacular coastal backdrop.

The Flame will also visit Tonbrodge Castle where double Olympic gold medallist, Dame Kelly Holmes, and Frank Verge, a Torchbearer in the 1948 Torch Relay, will carry it through the grounds of the Castle.

The day's Torchbearers will also include comedian Eddie Izzard, who has run an incredible 43 marathons, raising money to support people who live incredibly tough lives, and former stunt sportsman Eddie Kidd, who was injured during a stunt.

The Relay will travel through the following communities: Brighton and Hove, Crawley, Copthorne, Felbridge, East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough, Lewes, Eastbourne, Pevensey, Bexhill on Sea, St Leonards on Sea, Hastings.