Late thrillers send Hungary, France through - Olympics 2012

Barna Putics celebrates victory

Barna Putics of Hungary celebrates following his team's victory in the men's Handball quarter-final match against Iceland on Day 12 at the Basketball Arena.

The men's Handball competition took yet another dramatic twist on Day 12, as Hungary needed double extra-time to make it through to the semi-finals, while there was also a last-gasp win for France.
Iceland were on the verge of going through in normal time against the Hungarians, leading 27-26 and having a penalty with just 15 seconds remaining, but it was missed and Hungary forced the additional period three seconds from the end.

With the tie still level in the second of two five-minute halves of extra-time, Hungary finally made their move to win by a single goal and send the Basketball Arena wild.

A tight first half of the additional period saw the score advance to 29-29 and that became 30-30 as a second set of two five-minute halves was required to separate the two teams.

Hungary finally earned some breathing space and scored two successive goals to lead 33-31 and it proved decisive as they were able to hold out to seal a famous victory.

They go on to meet Sweden, the three-time silver medallists who remain on course to add to that haul after edging a Scandinavian thriller with Denmark 24-22.

A tight contest throughout was effectively decided by Niklas Ekberg's shot into an empty net with just over a minute to play.

Dalibor Doder finished top-scorer with six for Sweden, who celebrated long after the final whistle, while Hans Lindberg also threw in six for Denmark in a losing cause.

In the other half of the draw, France stayed on course to successfully defend their title as Olympic champions after a 23-22 quarter-final win over a Spain.

An even contest was heading for extra-time with the scores tied at 22-22 going into the final 30 seconds, but the Beijing 2008 gold medallists had time for one more attack and when a rebound fell to William Accambray he threw in to send his team through to the last four.

It was harsh on Spain as they led until the 45th minute yet must now pack their bags and head home.

They will now face two-time gold medallists Croatia, whose hopes of adding a third to their collection remain in tact as they beat Tunisia 25-23.

Croatia, winners at Atalanta 1996 and Athens 2004, were not tested by their African opponents and their unbeaten record at London 2012 was never threatened in a game that rounded off a superb day's action.

Zou through as women reach a landmark - Olympics 2012

Claressa Shields of the United States in action against Marina Volnova of Kazakhstan

Claressa Shields (L) of the United States in action against Marina Volnova of Kazakhstan during the women's Middle Weight Boxing semi-finals on Day 12.

Reigning Olympic champion Zou Shiming of China set up a fight for gold again on Day 12, while there was a historic moment as the first women's Olympic Boxing medals were won - albeit they were bronze.

Zou defeated Kazakhstan's Birzhan Zhakypov to contest another gold in the men's Light Fly Weight quarter-finals.

The three-time world champion won the bout by 13 points to 10 as Zhakypov could not match him.

Devendro Singh Laishram made an exit after losing to Irishman Paddy Barnes 23-18. Devendro was the last of the eight Indian boxers to bid farewell to the ring as the nation failed to claim a single medal in the men's Boxing.

Thailand's Kaeo Pongprayoon won a well-fought bout against Aleksandar Aleksandrov from Bulgaria.

Pongprayoon guaranteed at least a bronze as he booked his place in the semis, continuing his winning form on his Olympic Games debut.

In the men's Light Welter Weight category, world bronze medallist and third seeded Vincenzo Mangiacapre defeated Kazakh Daniyar Yeleussinov 16-12 with a bout ending in a tense finish.

British boxer Thomas Stalker missed out on a medal as he lost to Mongolia's Munkh-Erdene Uranchimeg 23-22.

Uranchimeg said: 'My soul is full of emotion. I have been in the Olympics three times now - Athens, Beijing and now London.

'It has been my long-standing dream to get a medal, which I have now achieved.'

Brazilian Yamaguchi Falcao Florentino caused another upset as he defeated top seed and reigning world champion Julio la Cruz Peraza from Cuba 18-15 in the men's Light Heavy Weight division.

After a tied first round, Florentino overpowered the Cuban champion giving him little time to recover from his aggressive jabs and hooks.

Despite the USA men going home without a medal for the first time in Olympic Games history, their women's team have a shot at gold after 17-year-old Claressa Shields overpowered Kazakhstans Marina Volnova 29-15.

She was one of the big winners on a day when history was made, as the first women's Olympic Boxing medals were won.

Shields will face powerful Russian Nadezda Torlopova in the final on Thursday after Torlopova, a former world champion at Super Heavy Weight, powered through 12-10 in a close fight with Li Jinzi of China.

Katie Taylor moved into the Light Weight final with a 17-9 win over Tajikistan's Mavzuna Chorieva at the ExCeL.

Her final will be against Russia's Sofya Ochigava, who advanced from her semi-final against Brazil's Adriana Araujo.

Meanwhile, Great Britain's Nicola Adams will fight rival Ren Cancan of China for the women's Fly Weight gold after getting the better of five-time world champion Mary Kom in their semi-final. 

Ren made it through following her victory over Marlen Esparza of the USA, who was guaranteed a bronze medal - along with all the other semi-final losers.

Zou through as women reach a landmark - Olympics 2012

Claressa Shields of the United States in action against Marina Volnova of Kazakhstan

Claressa Shields (L) of the United States in action against Marina Volnova of Kazakhstan during the women's Middle Weight Boxing semi-finals on Day 12.

Reigning Olympic champion Zou Shiming of China set up a fight for gold again on Day 12, while there was a historic moment as the first women's Olympic Boxing medals were won - albeit they were bronze.

Zou defeated Kazakhstan's Birzhan Zhakypov to contest another gold in the men's Light Fly Weight quarter-finals.

The three-time world champion won the bout by 13 points to 10 as Zhakypov could not match him.

Devendro Singh Laishram made an exit after losing to Irishman Paddy Barnes 23-18. Devendro was the last of the eight Indian boxers to bid farewell to the ring as the nation failed to claim a single medal in the men's Boxing.

Thailand's Kaeo Pongprayoon won a well-fought bout against Aleksandar Aleksandrov from Bulgaria.

Pongprayoon guaranteed at least a bronze as he booked his place in the semis, continuing his winning form on his Olympic Games debut.

In the men's Light Welter Weight category, world bronze medallist and third seeded Vincenzo Mangiacapre defeated Kazakh Daniyar Yeleussinov 16-12 with a bout ending in a tense finish.

British boxer Thomas Stalker missed out on a medal as he lost to Mongolia's Munkh-Erdene Uranchimeg 23-22.

Uranchimeg said: 'My soul is full of emotion. I have been in the Olympics three times now - Athens, Beijing and now London.

'It has been my long-standing dream to get a medal, which I have now achieved.'

Brazilian Yamaguchi Falcao Florentino caused another upset as he defeated top seed and reigning world champion Julio la Cruz Peraza from Cuba 18-15 in the men's Light Heavy Weight division.

After a tied first round, Florentino overpowered the Cuban champion giving him little time to recover from his aggressive jabs and hooks.

Despite the USA men going home without a medal for the first time in Olympic Games history, their women's team have a shot at gold after 17-year-old Claressa Shields overpowered Kazakhstans Marina Volnova 29-15.

She was one of the big winners on a day when history was made, as the first women's Olympic Boxing medals were won.

Shields will face powerful Russian Nadezda Torlopova in the final on Thursday after Torlopova, a former world champion at Super Heavy Weight, powered through 12-10 in a close fight with Li Jinzi of China.

Katie Taylor moved into the Light Weight final with a 17-9 win over Tajikistan's Mavzuna Chorieva at the ExCeL.

Her final will be against Russia's Sofya Ochigava, who advanced from her semi-final against Brazil's Adriana Araujo.

Meanwhile, Great Britain's Nicola Adams will fight rival Ren Cancan of China for the women's Fly Weight gold after getting the better of five-time world champion Mary Kom in their semi-final. 

Ren made it through following her victory over Marlen Esparza of the USA, who was guaranteed a bronze medal - along with all the other semi-final losers.

Italy beat USA to make semis - Olympics 2012

Italy celebrate victory

Italy celebrate their win over USA in the quarter-finals of the men's Volleyball competition.

Italy produced a superb display to secure a place in the semi-finals of the men's Volleyball competition at the expense of the USA, while Bulgaria, Russia and Brazil also progressed to the last four.

The USA's defence of their Olympic title was brought to an abrupt halt by Italy at Earls Court, going down 3-0.

Cristian Savani proved to be their Achilles heel, with USA's previously watertight defence breached 19 times by his thunderous hitting.

USA captain Clayton Stanley did his best to offer some resistance with 16 points, but it was not enough to rescue his team.

Italy's reward is a last-four meeting with 2008 silver medallists Brazil, who were comfortable winners over Argentina in the day's first game.

Italy coach Mauro Berruto said: 'I am extremely proud - especially in the pool matches, including against Bulgaria. I knew my team was coming out at the right time.'

Brazil progressed to the last four with a 3-0 win over Argentina, their victory underpinned by some typically brilliant defence from libero Sergio and achieved without captain Giba.

The 35-year-old national hero has been struggling with a knee injury and watched on from the sidelines as Murilo, Sidnei and Wallace carried the fight to Argentina.

Between them they contributed 37 points, with some thunderous blocks at the net - particularly from Wallace - helping to snuff out the danger of Pablo Crer.

Surprise package Bulgaria marched into the semis with a crushing 3-0 win over Germany, and they now have a last-four tie with Russia to look forward to.

Tsvetan Sokolov scored 22 points as his side dominated all over the court, shutting down Germany's Gyorgy Grozer at the net as they blocked eight times to three.

Russia were too strong for Poland in the last eight, clinching an impressive 3-0 victory.

Their serving was crisp, their reception accurate, their sitting quick and their hitting unstoppable. It was rare for a point to last longer than four strokes all night and fortunately for Russia, they were usually the ones playing the final shot.

Team USA set gold standard - Olympics 2012

Allyson Felix of the USA crosses the finish line

Allyson Felix of the USA crosses the finish line ahead of Murielle Ahoure of Cote d'Ivoire a and Carmelita Jeter of the United States to win the Women's 200m Final on Day 12.

Day 12 saw records set straight in the Olympic Stadium on a good night for Team USA, while Usain Bolt warmed up for another night in the headlines in his usual style.

After having to settle for silver at the last two Games, USA's Allyson Felix finally got her hands on an Olympic gold medal with a brilliant run in the 200m final.

Felix, runner-up at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 to Jamaica's Veronica Campbell-Brown, overcame a sluggish start to lead coming off the bend and was never going to be caught, the 26-year-old clocking a time of 21.88 to finish 0.21 seconds ahead of 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

USA's Carmelita Jeter, silver medallist over 100m, took bronze with Campbell-Brown fourth and failing in her bid to become the first woman to win a track event for three Games in succession.

The USA then enjoyed a one-two in the 110m Hurdles as Aries Merritt stormed to victory in 12.92, the fastest time in the world this year and just 0.01 seconds off the Olympic record set by Liu Xiang at Athens 2004.

Team-mate Jason Richardson took silver in 13.04 with Jamaica's Hansle Parchment taking bronze in a new national record of 13.12.

World record holder Dayron Robles of Cuba pulled up injured midway through the race.

And a glorious night for the USA was completed when Brittney Reese won gold in the women's Long Jump.

Russia's Natalya Antyukh won the 400m Hurdles, the 31-year-old just holding off USA's Lashinda Demus at the finish.

Antyukh recorded a personal best of 52.70 to finish just 0.06 outside the Olympic record held by 2008 champion Melaine Walker, with Demus setting a season's best of 52.77.

Czech Zuzana Hejnova claimed the bronze medal just ahead of Jamaica's Kaliese Spencer.

Usain Bolt edged ever nearer the legendary status he craves after easing into the 200m final.

While many would already consider the Jamaican superstar a legend for winning triple gold at Beijing 2008 and defending his 100m title here on Sunday, Bolt himself insists he also has to retain his 200m title.

And the 25-year-old looks increasingly likely to do just that, effectively winning his semi-final before halfway and almost jogging down the home straight to win in 20.18.

Team-mate Yohan Blake was the fastest qualifier after also slowing down markedly in winning the opening semi-final in 20.01, but Bolt has no doubts he will put his training partner in his place once again on Thursday.

'No doubt whatsoever,' Bolt said. 'I'm ready, this is my favourite event, so I'm looking forward to it.'

Australia's Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen won their country's fifth gold medal of London 2012 by completing victory in the Sailing 49er class.

The pair's success was a formality and they eased home with a fourth-place finish in the medal race at Weymouth and Portland.

New Zealand's Peter Burling and Blair Tuke were assured of silver but Denmark's Allan Norregaard and Peter Lang produced a late burst to secure bronze ahead of final race winners Austria and fellow hopefuls Great Britain.

Four gold medals were handed out at Eton Dorney as the first of the Canoe Sprint finals took place.

Norway's Eirik Veras Larsen triumphed in the men's Kayak Single (K1) 1000m, finishing ahead of world champion Adam van Koeverden of Canada and Max Hoff from Germany.

Another German, Sebastian Brendel, took the men's Canoe Single (C1) 1000m title with David Cal Figueroa of Spain second and Canada's Mark Oldershaw third.

In the men's Kayak Double (K2) 1000m, Hungary's Rudolf Dombi and Roland Kokeny won gold, just ahead of Portugal's Fernando Pimenta and Emanuel Silva. Martin Hollstein and Andreas Ihle from Germany won bronze.

The Hungarian team won the women's Kayak Four (K4) 500m with Germany and Belarus also earning podium positions.

Switzerland's Steve Guerdat won the Individual Jumping Equestrian gold medal at Greenwich Park.

Six riders carried zero faults into the final individual round but only Guerdat was able to go clear.

Gerco Schroder of the Netherlands beat Ireland's Cian O'Connor in a jump-off for silver and bronze.

China completed a clean sweep of the Table Tennis gold medals for the second successive Olympics with victory in the men's Team event at ExCeL.

The team of Ma Long, Zhang Jike and Wang Hao proved too strong for the Republic of Korea, easing into an unassailable 3-0 lead. Ma and Zhang were both convincing in the Singles before Zhang combined with Wang to wrap up the job in the Doubles.

Germany beat Hong Kong 3-1 to claim the bronze medal.

The Nethelrands will meet Argentina in the women's Hockey final after they both won. The Dutch beat New Zealand on a penalty shoot-out while the South Americans ousted Great Britain 2-1.

Kaori Icho beat Jing Ruixue to claim her third successive Olympic gold and complete a clean sweep for Japan on the first night of women's Wrestling at London 2012.

Icho became the only woman wrestler to triumph in Athens, Beijing and London after she beat her Chinese opponent to record a straightforward 3-0, 2-0 win in the 63kg category final at the ExCeL.

Icho's victory came barely an hour after Hitomi Obara came from behind to register a hard-fought win over Azerbaijan's Mariya Stadnyk in the 48kg category.

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh of the United States secured gold in the all-American final of the women's Beach Volleyball at Horse Guards Parade.

The duo claimed their third consecutive Olympic title after they defeated number six seeds Jennifer Kessy and April Ross in straight sets.

China's Wu Jingyu successfully defended her -49kg Olympic title with victory over Spaniard Brigitte Yague Enrique on the first night of Taekwondo at ExCeL.

Thailand's Chanatip Sonkham and Lucija Zaninovic of Croatia claimed bronze.

In the last bout of the night, Spain's Joel Gonzalez Bonilla claimed gold as he beat Republic of Korea's Lee Daehoon in the final of the men's -58kg.

Bronze went to Russian Alexey Denisenko and Colombian 19-year-old Oscar Munoz Oveido.

Bolt Targets Sprint Double - Olympics 2012

Usain Bolt of Jamaica reacts after competing in the men's 200m heats

Usain Bolt of Jamaica reacts after competing in the men's 200m Round 1 Heats on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium.

All eyes will be on Usain Bolt once again when he bids to complete another Olympic Games sprint double by winning the 200m final on a day when 23 gold medals will be won across 12 sports - including three in women's Boxing.

The Jamaican sprint sensation retained his 100m title with another stunning victory at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday night and he has since turned his attention to winning another 200m gold.

Bolt's compatriot Yohan Blake won silver in the 100m and will be looking to go one better and upstage his countryman in front of another capacity crowd.

ExCeL will host the first three Boxing finals of London 2012, with medals to be won in the women's Fly Weight (48-51kg), women's Light Weight (57-60kg) and the women's Middle Weight (69-75kg) divisions.

Back on the Athletics track, the 800m final will also get the crowd on the edge of their seats as Kenya's David Rudisha attempts to add the Olympic title to the world title he won last year. Mohammed Aman of Ethiopia and Sudan's Abubaker Kaki are also contenders, while Andrew Osagie is the first British athlete to reach the final for 20 years.

The USA's world record-holder Ashton Eaton will bid to secure his first Olympic Decathlon title, with the javelin and the 1500m the final two events.

Christian Taylor is the favourite for the Triple Jump final, but his USA team-mate Will Claye and Italy's Fabrizio Donato are among the other contenders.

The Olympic Stadium crowd also have the women's Javelin final to look forward to, with Barbora Spotakova of the Czech Republic bidding to retain her Olympic title.

Another big crowd is expected at Hyde Park for the women's 10km Marathon Swimming, with Keri-Anne Payne hoping to win gold for Great Britain in the Serpentine.

The USA and Japan will contest the final of the women's Football competition at Wembley Stadium. The former beat Canada in a thrilling semi-final to ensure they have reached all six Olympic finals and they will be looking to win a third consecutive gold medal, but they face a tough test against a Japan side who beat them in the World Cup final last year.

Horse Guards Parade will be vibrant once again when the Beach Volleyball competition concludes with the men's final between Brazil and Germany.

There will be four Canoe Sprint finals at Eton Dorney, with the men's Canoe Double (C2) 1000m, the men's Kayak Four (K4) 1000m, the women's Kayak Single (K1) 500m and the women's Kayak Double (K2) medal races taking place in the morning.

At Greenwich Park, medals will be won in the Individual Dressage, while the men's 470 medal race will be the highlight of the action at Weymouth and Portland.

The USA and Spain go head-to-head in the women's Water Polo final, while the women's 10m Platform Diving final will be held at the Aquatics Centre.

ExCeL is the venue for the men's -68kg and women's -57kg Taekwondo medal contests, and Freestyle Wrestling medals will be at stake in the women's 55kg and women's 72kg divisions.

USA set up Argentina Clash - Olympics 2012

LeBron James of the USA

LeBron James goes up for a shot during the men's Basketball quater-finals on Day 12 at London 2012.

Kobe Bryant showed his class as the USA overcame Australia to set up a semi-final clash with Argentina in the men's Basketball competition.

Australia fought hard to keep the USA in check, but had no answer once Bryant found his stride and he inspired his team to a 119-86 success.

Bryant finished with 20 points, Deron Williams had 18 and Carmelo Anthony 17. Kevin Durant added 14, LeBron James 11 and Kevin Love 10.

Patty Mills led Australia with 26 and Joe Ingles had 19.

Argentina held off a late rally to beat South American rivals Brazil 82-77 and make it to the semi-finals for the third straight time.

Luis Scola led Argentina with 17 points while Manu Ginobili and Carlos Delfino had 16 each, Ginobili also grabbing eight rebounds.

Andres Nocioni scored 12 and Jonas Gutierrez 11 in a balanced offensive showing.

Russia progressed to the last four after defeating Lithuania 83-74, and will next face Spain.

Lithuania, three-times bronze medallists, scored 18 points in the final five minutes of the third quarter to go from 46-32 down to 54-50 going into the final period.

When Rimantas Kaukenas hit a three-pointer to open the fourth period, the gap was just one. But Russia dug deep to pull out the win.

Spain emerged from a hard-fought quarter-final against France 66-59 winners.

Marc Gasol led Spain with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Juan-Carlos Navarro had 12 points, and Pau Gasol collected 10 points and 11 boards.

Tony Parker and Boris Diaw had 15 points each for France.

Temperature to rise at the Olympic Park

Temperatures are set to rise at the Olympic Park in the coming days as the Games enjoys a spell of summery weather.

The mercury is set to hit 26C (78.8F) in the capital today and tomorrow with warm and sunny conditions welcoming athletes and spectators in the final stages of the sporting spectacular.

Showers predicted on Sunday are expected to have cleared by the time the closing ceremony gets under way at Stratford's 80,000-seater Olympic Stadium, according to weather experts.

Gareth Harvey, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "There is going to be a little bit of cloud around in London today but there will be periods of sunny spells and it should stay dry.

"It's also going to be feel warm with temperatures reaching 26C (78.8F), which is above average for the time of year.

"Tomorrow will not be too dissimilar and the capital should experience another pleasant day."

Mr Harvey continued: "Saturday will be a bit more breezy but should stay dry and temperatures will reach around 24C (75.2F).

"Sunday will be a bit more unsettled and there will be a chance of some showers, but at this stage, it looks like they should disappear by the evening."

Thousands are expected to fill the Olympic Stadium for Sunday's 9pm ceremony which will see the Olympic flame extinguished to signal the end of the Games.

Golden day for Hungary

Sebastian Brendel of Germany celebrates winning gold

Sebastian Brendel of Germany celebrates winning Gold during the Men's Canoe Single (C1) 1000m Sprint Finals on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Eton Dorney

Hungary won two Canoe Sprint gold medals in a morning at Eton Dorney - in the men's Kayak Double (K2) 1000m and women's Kayak Four (K4) 500m.

Rudolf Dombi and Roland Kokeny took gold for Hungary in the men's event, with Portugal coming in for silver very close behind - their first medal of the Games.

Emanuel Silva and Fernando Pimenta gave the Hungarians a close run to the line, with the German pair of Martin Hollstein and Andreas Ihle taking bronze. 

In the women's Kayak 4 500m (K4) finals, the Hungarian crew crossed the line first in a new World and Olympic Best time of 1:30.338 and were swiftly followed home by the German boat for silver and Belarus, who took bronze.

It was a successful morning for Germany as well - they took medals in all four Canoe Sprint events, with gold in the men's Canoe Single 1000m (C1) and bronze in the men's Kayak Single 1000m (K1).

Brownlee brothers take glory in dramatic Triathlon

Alistair and Jonny Brownlee compete in the Triathlon

Alistair and Jonny Brownlee of Great Britain compete in the cycling portion of the men's Triathlon during Day 11.

Alistair Brownlee became Great Britain's first Olympic Games champion in Triathlon with a brilliant performance in front of a huge crowd in Hyde Park while his brother Jonny won a bronze medal.

Britain had never won a medal in the sport before but Alistair went into the race as hot favourite having dominated Triathlon over the last four years.

Jonny had been tipped for silver but had to give way to Spain's Javier Gomez, while his hopes were not helped by a penalty for getting on his bike too early.

Richard Varga led out the swim in the Serpentine with the Brownlees, who have been training alongside the Slovakian, in close attendance.

They came out of the water in fourth and sixth but it was two-time world champion Gomez who shot off on the bike and a group of five, including the brothers, quickly formed.

There was heartbreak for Canada's flagbearer Simon Whitfield, the Olympic champion at Sydney 2000 and the silver medallist at Beijing 2008, as he crashed very early on the first lap and was forced to pull out.

By the end of the third lap the Brownlees were at the front, but Jonny's hopes of a medal were hit when it was confirmed that he would need to serve a 15-second penalty.

The pair were second and third into transition and immediately headed out at the front of the run, and Gomez went with them.

By the end of the first lap, the trio already had a 17-second advantage over the rest, but at the start of the third lap it was Jonny who could no longer handle the pace and he dropped back.

Shortly afterwards, the gap began to open between Alistair and Gomez, the Spaniard no longer able to live with the Leeds athlete's incredible speed.

Jonny took his penalty on the third lap and came out still in third place, while Alistair gradually extended his gap and had time to collect a Union Flag before walking across the finish line.

Norway and Germany take Canoe Sprint golds

Eirik Veras Larsen of Norway celebrates

The race winner poses on the podium with his gold medal.

Norway's Eirik Veras Larsen won gold today in the men's Kayak Single (K1) 1000m at Eton Dorney and in the Canoe Single (C1) 1000m, Sebastian Brendel of Germany took the gold medal.

World champion Adam van Koeverden finished second in the K1 to claim silver, while Max Hoff from Germany won the bronze.

Canada's Van Koeverden surged into an early lead but with 250m to go, Larsen edged into first place to claim gold.

Germany had further success in the C1 as Brendel took the gold.

Spain's David Cal Figueroa won silver and the Canadians got their second Canoe Sprint medal of the day with the bronze for Mark Oldershaw.

After the K1, van Koeverden said he had trained with Larsen in the region of 1,000 times over the last 14 years.

He said: 'We are 50-50 for wins in those sessions. In those sessions we get off the water and we have said to each other many, many times, "I don't think anybody in the world could have done what we did today".

'I have said it before that I don't like stacking up my 1000m silvers on my dresser at home but if I have to lose to somebody then he is a classy guy and I respect him so much.'

Communities across the UK celebrate Super Saturday - London Olympics 2012

How will you celebrate Super Saturday?

With a little help from TV chefs the Baker Brothers, we've created a feast fit for an Olympian. Get your friends, family and community fired up with sizzling BBQ recipes, sports games and party decorations.

With 25 Olympic gold medals up for grabs, 4 August or 'Super Saturday' is set to be one of the most thrilling days in the Olympic Games calendar. Spectators enjoying the action at the Olympic venues will be joined by more than 28,000 London 2012 Local Leaders around the UK who are hosting events in their homes, gardens, streets and community centres.

The Local Leaders programme was launched around a year ago to encourage people from across the country to spread the Olympic spirit in their communities. The thousands already signed up will be organising BBQs, street parties and visits to big screens with local music, entertainment and mini-games for children.

Even if it's from the comfort of their garden chair people across the UK are creating their own Olympic atmosphere at home. And it's not too late to join the party. You can find recipes, posters, games ideas and the all important sporting schedule.

London 2012 Festival - Olympics 2012

The Olympic Journey: The Story of the Games

BP and the Royal Opera House have joined forces with the Olympic Museum to create this free and unique exhibition of the medals, Torches and inspiring stories behind the Olympic Games.

As we welcome 'Super Saturday', dozens of free London 2012 Festival events are taking place across the capital this weekend, which will see 25 gold medals awarded at the Olympic Games in one day.

Today an exhibition at the Royal Opera House is telling the Story of the Olympic Games from its creation in 776BC through to the London 2012 Olympic Games. Three times gold medal winner, Russian gymnast Olga Korbut, will be there to tell the tale of winning her three titles at the Munich 1972 Olympic Games.

As part of Art Drive ! The BMW Art Car Collection 1975 – 2010, there is special pop-up cinema in the unusual setting of a multi-storey car park in Shoreditch.

The National Portrait Gallery is running its final exhibition in the series – BT Road to 2012: Aiming High which features portraits of key people involved in the Games, including Sebastian Coe, Mark Cavendish, Fran Halsall and Danny Boyle.

Experience Brazilian culture at Somerset House, the adopted home for the Brazil National Olympic Committee during the Games. 'Casa Brasil' features From the Margin to the Edge, a major exhibition on Brazilian art and design in the 21st century, as well as Brazilian culture and its folklore and preparations for Rio 2016.

Tomorrow Kids Week in the West End gets underway. The event gives children a chance experience the magic of live theatre. During the week, children (aged 16 and under) can go free to the theatre with a paying adult. With lots of theatre productions on at the West End, there's sure to be something for everyone.

Thousands of London 2012 Local Leaders around the UK areholding their own Olympic-themed celebrations this weekend, from organising barbeques to watching sport on the big screen at Live Sites. Get advice and tips on how to have a great Super Saturday

These are part of more than ten million free opportunities to take part in the spectacular London 2012 Fesitval which continues to the final day of the Paralympic Games on 9 September.

Dani King, Laura Trott and Joanna Rowsell set a new world record - London Olympics 2012

Dani King, Laura Trott and Joanna Rowsell set a new world record

The Great Britain team after setting a new world record in the women's Team Pursuit Track Cycling qualifying on Day 7 of the Games at the Velodrome.

Great Britain's women advanced with a world record in Team Pursuit qualifying on the second day of competition at the London 2012 Olympic Velodrome.

Britain's men were poised to ride-off against perennial rivals Australia for gold and, not to be outdone, the World Championship-winning women's squad of Dani King, Laura Trott and Joanna Rowsell clocked 3:15.669 to go through to tomorrow's first round.

The British trio, who lowered their own best set in April in Melbourne, were set to meet the Canada in what is effectively a semi-final tomorrow.

Canada clocked 3:19.816 to progress in fourth, while second-fastest qualifiers the United States (3:19.406) were set to meet Australia (3:19.719), the third quickest, in the second semi-final.

Coca-Cola pin badge designer Stuart Langley - London Olympics 2012

Coca-Cola pin badge designer Stuart Langley

Pin badge designer Stuart Langley, 30, from Hartlepool holds up a pin badge at the Official Coca-Cola Olympic Games Pin Trading Centre on the Olympic Park.

Aside from watching the action on the field of play, pin trading is the number one spectator sport at London 2012. This is a fixture at all Olympic and Paralympic Games, and it spans decades and continents. So why not join in?

What is pin trading?

Pin trading is the art of buying or swapping official metal lapel badges produced to commemorate each Olympic and Paralympic Games. It's also become a social event, where veteran traders look out for familiar faces and new ones make friends – pins are often deemed to be tokens of friendship and gratitude.

The very first Olympic pin badges – actually cardboard disks – were originally designed as colourful badges to identify athletes and officials at the first modern Olympic Games, Athens 1896. Pins were not officially sold as souvenirs until 1912, and by 1984 pin trading centres were drawing big crowds at the Games.

London 2012 pins

There are 2,012 pin designs for London 2012, and each pin tells a story. Examples include limited edition pins of the day for each day of the Games, Olympic countdown pins from 5 years to go all the way to one day to go, the icon series which brings out the best of Britain including post boxes and kilts, and pins of the much-loved London 2012 mascots Wenlock and Mandeville.

Trading tales on the Olympic Park

By Day 7 of the Games, the Coca-Cola Pin Trading Centre on the Olympic Park is already buzzing with activity. Anthony Drexler from London explains how he got into pins: 'I was working at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and got given a pin; then somehow got another pin. One thing led to another and I now have 13,000 in my collection.'

A visitor from Atlanta recounts: 'My dad gave me my first pin from the Atlanta 1996 Games when I was three years old, and I've been collecting ever since. I love collecting the country pins.'

And another transatlantic pin collector, Al Falcao from Canada, says: 'For me it's not about the pins, it's about the relationships – and the joy is in pursuing rather than owning the pins. I'm giving out pins to children during London 2012 in exchange for a smile.'

Where to trade

Coca-Cola is hosting two official pin trading centres during the London 2012 Games – one on the Olympic Park and one in Hyde Park. If you are not already among the tens of thousands trading their pins, then now is your chance to join in. Start your collection today with the London 2012 Shop.

Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain riding Valegro - London Olympics 2012

Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain riding Valegro competes in the Dressage Grand Prix

Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain riding Valegro competes in the Dressage Grand Prix on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park.

Charlotte Dujardin continued her remarkable rise to the top of world Dressage today by putting Great Britain in Team gold medal position and smashing an Olympic record.

The 26-year-old's breathtaking Olympic debut with Valegro gained a standing ovation from a capacity 23,000 crowd at Greenwich Park.

Their Grand Prix score of 83.66 per cent was more than four percentage points better than the previous Olympic best of Germany's Kristina Sprehe that stood for just two hours.

The Team competition resumes and concludes next Tuesday with the Grand Prix Special test - Dujardin is world record-holder in that - with Britain having never previously won an Olympic Dressage medal.

Their current team score of 79.40 per cent - the average mark of all three riders Dujardin, Carl Hester and Laura Bechtolsheimer - is 0.56 per cent above Germany, with the Netherlands (76.80 per cent) third.

Dujardin's score was the best over two days of competition, with Dutch star Adelinde Cornelissen in second, Germany's Helen Langehanenberg third, Hester fifth and Bechtolsheimer seventh.

Barely 20 months ago, Dujardin had never ridden a competitive Grand Prix test, but today's performance has increased the prospect of double Olympic Games gold.

The Individual competition - freestyle to music - takes place next Thursday and closes the Olympic Equestrian schedule.

The top 11 individual scores, plus all three members of the leading seven teams after today, go forward to the Grand Prix Special stage.

Turkey book last-eight spot - London Olympics 2012

Turkey celebrates win over China

Turkey greets China after the women's Basketball preliminary round match on Day 7 at the Basketball Arena.

Turkey cruised to an 82-55 victory over China to secure a quarter-final place in the women's Basketball and move level with the Asian champions in the battle for seeding in Group A.
The win sees Turkey improve to 3-1, with the United States the only unbeaten team in the group ahead of their game with the Czech Republic tonight.

Turkey began to take control of the game early in the first quarter, scoring the final 12 points of the period as part of an 18-0 run that featured big three pointers from Saziye Ivegin, Bahar Calgar, and Isil Alben.

By the time it was over Turkey were up 32-13 and there seemed little way back for China.

They did at least try, making it to 36-25 on Nan Chen's jump-shot but they could not get any closer as Turkey began to pull away again.

Their lead reached the 20 mark, 65-45, early in the fourth quarter and the win was secure.

Nevriye Yilmaz led Turkey with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Esmeral Tuncluer had 12.

Alben and Caglar added 11 each and Kuanitra Hollingsvorth had 10 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out.

Chen led China with 19 points.

GB dominant for Team Pursuit gold - London Olympics 2012

Team GB on the podium proudly displaying their gold medals

(L-R) Edward Clancy, Steven Burke, Peter Kennaugh and Geraint Thomas of Great Britain celebrate with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for the men's Team Pursuit Track Cycling final on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Velodrome.

Great Britain's men's Team Pursuit squad claimed a thrilling Olympic gold in a world record time on the second day of competition at the London 2012 Olympic Velodrome.

Ed Clancy, Geraint Thomas, Peter Kennaugh and Steven Burke clocked 3:51.659 to triumph by a supreme margin ahead of arch-rivals Australia.

Australia's Jack Bobridge, Glenn O'Shea, Rohan Dennis and Michael Hepburn finished with silver in 3:54.581.

The British quartet, who won Track Cycling World Championships gold in Melbourne in April, now have successfully defended the title won by Clancy, Thomas, Bradley Wiggins and Paul Manning in Beijing.

New Zealand's Sam Bewley, Marc Ryan, Jesse Sergent and Aaron Gate claimed bronze in 3:55.952, with Russia's Evgeny Kovalev, Ivan Kovalev, Alexey Markov and Alexander Serov finishing fourth (3:58.282).

Clancy's focus will now turn to the six-discipline Omnium, which is set to begin tomorrow.

Wu Minxia of China in the women's 3m Springboard - London Olympics 2012

Wu Minxia of China in the women's 3m Springboard

Wu Minxia of China competes in the women's 3m Springboard Diving Preliminary Round on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre.

Wu Minxia moved a step closer to a record-equalling sixth Olympic Diving medal after qualifying for the women's 3m Springboard semi-final in first place.

The 26-year-old will draw level with former synchro partner Guo Jinging should she stand on the podium after Sunday's final.

Wu posted a score of 387.95 to beat nearest rival, and fellow Chinese, He Zi by 24.1 points.

Wu and He combined to win the Synchronised 3m Springboard title on Sunday and they stamped their class over today's preliminary round.

'It was my usual performance. I have done well,' Wu said. 'I will try to perform my personal best. I think everyone did quite well. It's very competitive.'

Italy's Tania Cagnotto gave her bid to claim a first ever medal at her fourth Games an immediate boost as she qualified in third place.

There were no major casualties as the 30-diver field was reduced to 18, with world bronze medallist Jennifer Abel qualifying fourth ahead of Australia's Sharleen Stratton.

Victoria Pendleton storms to Keirin victory - London Olympics 2012

Victoria Pendleton of Great Britain celebrates

Victoria Pendleton of Great Britain celebrates after winning gold in the women's Keirin Track Cycling final on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Velodrome.

Victoria Pendleton claimed Great Britain's third gold medal in two days of competition at the London 2012 Olympic Velodrome with a stunning triumph in the Keirin.

A few moments after watching Ed Clancy, Geraint Thomas, Peter Kennaugh and Steven Burke clock a world 3:51.659 to triumph by a supreme margin ahead of arch-rivals Australia in the men's Team Pursuit, Pendleton delivered in her least favored event.

In the event, which begins behind a motorized Derny bike, the 31-year-old - who is set to retire after London 2012 - stormed to victory.

Guo Shuang of China was second, with Lee Wai Sze of Hong Kong third.

The win sparked jubilant scenes from coach Jan van Eijden, British Cycling Performance Director Dave Brailsford and Head Coach Shane Sutton and was Britain's third gold medal of the Track Cycling programme after Chris Hoy, Philip Hindes and Jason Kenny won the men's Team Sprint yesterday.

Katie Ledecky of the USA - London Olympics 2012

Katie Ledecky of the USA

Katie Ledecky reacts after winning the women's 800m Freestyle final on Day 7 of London 2012.

Teenager Katie Ledecky produced the second fastest 800m Freestyle in history to take gold for the USA.

Ledecky, 15, led from start to finish as the expected duel between Britain's Rebecca Adlington and Denmark's Lotte Friis failed to materialise.

Instead, Ledecky went straight out and moved further ahead from the halfway stage, under world record pace all the way until the final metres to touch in 8:14.63, with only Adlington ever having gone faster when she set a world record in Beijing four years ago.

With 200m to go, Spaniard Mireia Belmonte Garcia attacked to overhaul Adlington and finish second in 8:18.76.

Adlington picked up her second third place of the week, following her 400m bronze, touching in 8:20.32.

Meanwhile, Florent Manaudou claimed the final medal of the night in the pool, winning the men's 50m Freestyle.

Republic of Korea take Sabre gold - London Olympics 2012

Republic of Korea take men's Sabre Team gold

Junghwan Kim, Young Won Woo, Bongil Gu and Eunseok Oh of Korea celebrate with the gold medal after winning Men's Sabre Team Fencing on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Excel.

Republic of Korea added to their gold haul at the ExCeL by capturing the men's Team Sabre.

Seeded only sixth of the eight sides, they triumphed 45-26 over Romania in the final following earlier wins over Germany and Italy.

Prior to these Olympic Games, the Koreans had only ever won three Fencing medals, but this was their fifth of the week and second gold.

The Italians achieved their sixth - two of each colour - by taking bronze with a 45-39 win over Russia.

Gu Bongil, Won Woo Young and Kim Junghwan saw Republic of Korea almost to the finishing line and with the title in sight, Oh Eunseok came on so that he too could go home with a medal.

He justified their faith in him, beating Romanian substitute Alexandru Siriteanu 5-1 and then watched Won complete the job.

Italy were ranked seventh, but also beat second seeds Belarus before losing to the Koreans.

The Italians were silver medallists at Beijing 2008 and third at Athens 2004.

Aldo Montano, individual champion in Athens, and Luigi Tarantino were members of those sides as well, while Diego Occhiuzzi played last time and was the individual runner-up on Sunday.

Tarantino, 39, was left out of the bronze medal contest and substitute Luigi Samele became the star of the show, taking his three contests by a combined 19-14.

Montano, described as 'a phenomenon' by Occhiuzzi, had saved them against the Belarussians and said: 'I'll give all my heart to take a medal.

'That's why people love me because I'll make them love Fencing playing like that.'

Michael Phelps wins another Gold in London Olympics 2012

Michael Phelps of the USA

Michael Phelps celebrates winning the men's 100m Butterfly final on Day 7 of London 2012.

Michael Phelps won the 17th Olympic gold medal of his career, and his 21st overall, when he produced a majestic performance in the 100m Butterfly.

It was the final individual race of the 27-year-old's career, which will end tomorrow night in the 4 x 100m Medley Relay.

Tonight, the Baltimore swimmer was seventh at halfway, with Milorad Cavic first, before the USA swimmer produced a customary storming final length to touch in 51.21.

Phelps finished ahead of Chad le Clos, his conqueror in the 200m, and Evgeny Korotyshkin, who shared second place.

Earlier, teenager Missy Franklin claimed gold in the women's 200m Backstroke in a new world record time.

Franklin lowered Kirsty Coventry's world mark set in 2009 by 0.75 to 2:04.06.

Anastasia Zueva of Russia finished second, with USA's Elizabeth Beisel third.

Ai Otomo spikes the ball at Earls Court - London Olympics 2012

Ai Otomo spikes the ball at Earls Court

Ai Otomo spikes the ball as Nataliya Goncharova #8 of Russia defends during women's Volleyball on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Earls Court.

Russia continued their excellent form in the women's Volleyball competition, seeing off Japan over four sets to preserve their unbeaten record.

Having taken the first two sets, they offered up the third to a quick and agile Japan, before exerting their height advantage again in the fourth.

They are now top of Pool A and, with only Italy capable of catching them in the race for top spot, the final-game match-up between the two promises plenty.

The main difference today was in the block, with Ekaterina Gamova killing the ball five times - just once less than Japan managed combined.

Gamova left the court with 29 points and was ably assisted by Nataliya Goncharova with 26. Saori Kimura top-scored with 23 for Japan, sharing the honour with Saori Sakoda.

Japan end their group with a clash against host nation Great Britain and look set to have to settle for third place, with Italy and Russia too far ahead to catch.

Zielinski weighs in with gold - London Olympics 2012

Adrian Edward Zielinski of Poland celebrates on the way to winning gold

Adrian Edward Zielinski of Poland celebrates his victory in the men's 85kg Weightlifting final on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Excel.

Poland's Adrian Edward Zielinski emerged triumphant by virtue of just 130 grams in bodyweight to claim Olympic gold after a star-studded cast in the men's 85kg fell by the wayside.

Zielinski, the 2010 world champion, was level with Russia's 19-year-old lifter Apti Aukhadov on a total of 385kg after a thrilling competition - but with ties decided by the pre-weigh-in, it was Zielinski who proved marginally lighter on the scales (84.62kg to 84.75kg).

Current world champion Kianoush Rostami, from Iran, had to settle for bronze after failing with his final lift of 214kg, which would have tied all three men on a 385kg total.

A host of lifters went into the event with a real chance of victory but that leading pack was soon cut by three.

Beijing 2008 silver medallist and world and Olympic record holder Andrei Rybakou, from Belarus, failed all three snatch attempts having been hindered by what appeared to be a right leg injury, as did Iran's Asian champion Sourab Moradi and France's Benjamin Didier Hennequin.

Lu Yong took a slender lead into the interval having lifted a modest 178kg in the snatch - three kilos ahead of Aukhadov, four clear of Zielinski and seven from Rostami.

But China's reigning gold medallist - the only man competing from the nation's eight winners at Beijing 2008 - floundered in the clean and jerk and he too was also eliminated after failing to get close with any of his attempts to lift 205kg.

That left just Aukhadov, Zielinski and Rostami. And it was Zielinski who took his place on the top spot of the podium after lifting 211kg compared to Aukhadov (210kg) and Rostami (209kg).

Yuki Ogimi scores for Japan at the Millennium Stadium - Olympics 2012

Yuki Ogimi scores for Japan at the Millennium Stadium

Yuki Ogimi of Japan scores the opening goal despite the efforts of Erika (L) and Bruna of Brazil during the women's Football quarter-final on Day 7 of the Games.

Japan remain on course to add Olympic Games gold to last year's World Cup triumph after clinically seeing off Brazil in the quarter-final of the women's Football competition, while the USA, France and Canada are also through to the last four.
Japan had to overcome an early scare before sealing their progress 2-0 at the Millennium Stadium.

The Samba Queens desperately sought an equaliser after the interval but were caught out by a rapid counter-attack which allowed Shinobu Ohno to seal Japan's win and set up a semi-final meeting with France.

The French progressed in their first-ever appearance in the Olympic women's Football tournament with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Sweden at Hampden Park.

Nilla Fischer had given the Swedes the lead after 17 minutes as Marie Hammarstrom's corner deflected fortuitously off her shoulder into the corner of the net, but France were level 11 minutes later when Laura Georges headed home at the back post from another corner.

France claimed the lead thanks to a Wendie Renard goal seven minutes before half-time, but Bruno Bini's side were grateful to goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi as she produced a brilliant one-handed save from Fischer to ensure the game did not go to extra-time.

Abby Wambach's fourth goal of the tournament helped to fire the USA into the last four as New Zealand's hopes were dashed by a 2-0 scoreline.

The 32-year-old striker turned home Alex Morgan's 27th-minute cross to give her side the advantage in a game the USA controlled but failed to put beyond doubt until substitute Sydney Leroux made sure close to the end.

Last year's beaten World Cup finalists won with something to spare and will head into their semi-final at Old Trafford on Monday with hopes of a third successive gold medal very much intact.

The same can not be said for Host Nation Great Britain, however, after they were sent out of the competition 2-0 at the hands of Canada.

Jonelle Filigno and Christine Sinclair got the first-half goals to send the Canadians into the semi-finals, but in truth it should have been more.

Tomasz Majewski of Poland - London Olympics 2012

Tomasz Majewski of Poland

Tomasz Majewski celebrates victory in the men's Shot Put final on Day 7 of London 2012.

Poland's Tomasz Majewski produced a stunning throw to successfully defend his Shot Put title at the Olympic Stadium.

Germany's 22-year-old hopeful David Storl, the reigning world champion, had set the standard with a throw of 21.86m but Majewski responded to claim gold with 21.89m.

USA's Reese Hoffa failed to capitalise on his good form this season and was forced to settle for bronze with his throw of 21.23m.

Ning Ding and Xiaoxia Li of China - London Olympics 2012

Ning Ding and Xiaoxia Li of China compete during women's Team Table Tennis

Ning Ding and Xiaoxia Li of China during their first round victory in the women's Team Table Tennis against team of Spain on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Excel.

China's quest for another Table Tennis gold medal started in perfect fashion as the women began the Team event with a whitewash of Spain.

Nothing less than a maximum haul of four golds and two silvers in the sport will do for the Asian powerhouse.

They are on course to reach that target after Xiaoxia Li and Jike Zhang beat compatriots Ning Ding and Hao Wang respectively in the Singles finals. And that form continued today in the Team event.

Newly-crowned champion Li was first up, with Shen Yanfei not up to the challenge of competing as she lost the games 11-4, 11-7 and 14-12.

Guo Yue, ranked eighth in the world, then competed in the event for the first time in overcoming Sara Ramirez.

Li and Ding - the world number one who was beaten by her doubles partner in the individual final - then finished the job by whitewashing Galia Dvorak and Ramirez.

World Team champions Singapore, meanwhile, got their campaign off the ground with a 3-1 victory over a strong-looking Poland, while Japan eased to the most comfortable of victories over the USA , winning 3-0 to prompt an early completion.

Ariel Hsing was first up for the USA. However, she was comfortably beaten 3-0 by Ai Fukuhara before Lily Zhang also fell to a heavy loss against Sayaka Hirano.

Fukuhara and Kasumi Ishikawa, who finished fourth in the individual event, then combined to continue Japan's run of not conceding a game, cruising past Zhang and Erica Wu.

Republic of Korea also did not concede a game in beating Brazil as Kim Kyung-ah and Seok Ha-jung initially beat Caroline Kumahara and Gui Lin respectively.

Kim and Park Mi-young then finished the job by despatching Gui and Ligia Silva in equally resounding fashion.

Elsewhere, there were victories for Honk Kong, Holland, North Korea and Germany.

In the men's Team event, Germany edged out Sweden in a six-match thriller.

Half of the last-16 encounters were completed at the ExCeL Arena tonight, with the remaining four to be played tomorrow morning.

In the pick of the action, Germany were pushed all the way by their Scandinavian opponents. The clash started with world number seven Timo Boll continuing his disappointing Games as he was beaten 3-1 by Jorgen Persson.

Boll was knocked out of the singles by the Romania's Adrian Crisan in the fourth round and did not fare any better versus veteran Persson.

But Dimitrij Ovtcharov, who claimed bronze in the individual format, got things back on track by overcoming Par Gerell.

Boll and Bastian Steger then combined to beat Gerell and Jens Lundqvist before the latter overcame Persson 3-0 to seal Germany's passage to the quarter-finals.

In the last eight, they will be joined by Austria, Hong Kong and Portugal, who eased to 3-0 successes against Egypt, Brazil and host nation Great Britain respectively.

Dibaba retains Olympic tittle - London Olympics 2012

Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia

Tirunesh Dibaba wins gold in the women's 10,000m final on Day 7 of London 2012.

Ethiopia's Tirunesh Dibaba held on to her Olympic 10,000m title in stunning style at the Olympic Stadium tonight.

The 27-year-old, who won the distance double at the Beijing 2008 Games, saw off Kenya's Sally Kipyego and Vivian Cheruiyot with a final-lap burst to win by more than five seconds.

Dibaba's time was a season's best 30:20.75, with Kipyego taking the silver in 30:26.37 and world champion Cheruiyot bronze in 30:30.44.

Wins for Phelps and Ledecky - London Olympics 2012

Michael Phelps of the USA

Michael Phelps on the podium during the Victory Ceremony for the men's 100m Butterfly on Day 7 of London 2012.

Michael Phelps marked the final individual swim of his career with victory in the 100m Butterfly, while 15-year-old Katie Ledecky won the 800m Freestyle on her senior international debut.

On what was a superb night for the USA, Missy Franklin won the 200m Backstroke in a new world record.

Phelps clinched the 17th Olympic gold medal, and 21st medal overall, when he came from seventh at the halfway point to win in 51.21 ahead of Chad ad Clos, his conqueror in the 200m, and Evgeny Korotyshkin, who shared second place.

It was the final individual race of the 27-year-old's career, with just the 4 x 100m Medley Relay to come before the Baltimore swimmer bows out of competition.

He said: 'I am just happy that the last one was a win, that is all I wanted coming into tonight.'

Meanwhile, Ledecky led from start to finish and was under world record pace until the final few metres as she touched in 8:14.63, the second fastest time in history behind Rebecca Adlington's world record from Beijing.

Mireia Belmonte Garcia was 4.14secs adrift in second, with Adlington securing her second bronze of the week in third.

Franklin claimed her second individual title of the week when she lowered Kirsty Coventry's world mark to 2:04.06, while Florent Manaudou of France won the men's 50m Freestyle in 21.34.

Defeats for USA duo - London Olympics 2012

Krishan Vikas of India and Errol Spence of USA

Krishan Vikas (left) in action against Errol Spence during the men's Welter Weight competition on Day 7 of London 2012.

It was a disappointing night for the USA's men's team as last-16 defeats for Raushee Warren and Errol Spence ended their hopes of a Boxing medal.

Fly Weight third seed Warren, competing in his third Olympic Games, lost 19-18 to Frenchman Nordine Oubaali in a nail-biting finish.

The 25-year-old said afterwards: 'I am still young. I gave my whole life to the Olympics and that was my dream. I have to work out what I am doing next.'

Spence, a Dallas-based 22-year-old, went out of the competition following a 13-11 defeat against third-seeded Indian Krishan Vikas in the Welter Weight division.

European champions Andrew Selby and Fred Evans extended Great Britain's fine start with last-16 victories in their respective Fly Weight and Welter Weight divisions.

Evans produced a fine last round to beat Egidijus Kavaliauskas 13-11 and Selby secured a 19-15 verdict over tough Kazakh Ilyas Suleimenov.

Belfast Fly Weight Michael Conlan clinched a straightforward 19-8 win over Ghana's Duke Micah.

Spain, Norway lead charge to last eight - London Olympics 2012

Spain celebrate victory

The celebrations get under way after the tense match.

Spain edged a tense Group B clash 25-24 in the women's Handball which sent them through to the quarter-finals and Sweden crashing out, while Norway followed them into the last eight on Day 7 at the Copper Box.
The Spanish had to fend off a strong start by the Scandinavians, who knew they had to win to have any chance of progressing. Sweden forged into a 6-3 lead after 13 minutes, with Hanna Fogelstrom scoring three of them.

But they soon capitulated and Spain enjoyed a golden period, throwing in seven consecutive goals over an eight-minute period to lead 10-6.

The half ended with another good spell for Sweden as three successive strikes saw them reduce the deficit to 11-10 at the interval.

The second half was a much more even affair as the two sides traded goals throughout and the scoreboard had advanced to 20-20 with 10 minutes remaining.

Sweden knew it was all or nothing, but Spain seized the initiative in the final two minutes by gaining a crucial two-goal lead.

That was eventually reduced to one at the end, but Spain held on to secure a spot in the last eight.

Nely Alberto Francisca and Marta Mangue Gonzalez both threw in six for Spain, while Fogelstrom top scored with five for Sweden, who bow out of the competition having lost all four of their games.

Meanwhile, reigning Olympic Games and world champions Norway booked their place in the quarter-finals with a winning goal 11 seconds from the end of an all-Scandinavian battle with Denmark, who are now knocked out.

In a topsy-turvy battle that could have gone either way, Karoline Dyhre Breivang scored the decisive goal at the end to break Danish hearts as it finished 24-23.

Croatia won a battle of European sides in Group A, edging out Montenegro by a single goal, 27-26.

A mixed first half saw Croatia earn an 8-5 lead after five successive goals, but Montenegro scored seven of the last 11 goals to square it at 12-12 at the break.

The tight nature of the of the game continued well into the second half with the two sides trading goals throughout.

But Croatia made their move with two successive strikes with five minutes remaining and they held the advantage right until the end, despite a nervy finish.

Indeed, Montenegro could have levelled right at the end, but Jovanka Radicevic mishandled the ball with the goal gaping in the final 30 seconds.

In the day's other games, France continued their unbeaten record by inflicting a first defeat on Republic of Korea, 24-21, ensuring they finish top of Group B.

The French struck with two decisive goals in a row to grab control of the game in the final 10 minutes and they extended that to win by a three-goal margin in the concluding minutes, with Alexandra Lacrabere top-scoring with four goals.

Angola completed a 31-25 win over Great Britain in the first game of the morning at the Copper Box, while Russia edged past Brazil 31-27 in Group A.