SA's Olympic woes continue

2008-08-14 07:50

Beijing - South African athletes taking part in the Olympics' sabre event, rifle shooting and swimming, failed to make an impression on Thursday.

Russia beat South Africa 45-13 in the women's team sabre event, while Poland narrowly beat Canada 45-44.

In the women's 50m rifle 3 x 20 event, Esmari van Reenen scored 578 points and failed to qualify for the finals.

Du Li of China equalled the world record with 589 points, followed by Cuba's Eglys Yaima Cruz on 588 and Olga Dovgun of Kazakhstan on 588.

Van Reenen was in 16th position.

And in the pool, SA's Suzaan van Biljon was in 15th position in the 200m breaststroke qualifying event. She clocked 2:28.45.

Fastest qualifiers were Rebecca Soni of the US, followed by Australia's Leisel Jones and Mirna Jukic of Austria.

- Reuters