Check todays hot topics and new pictures Today is: 19 June, 2013
Chinese shooters ready for Games, says head coach

Chinese shooters ready for Games, says head coachBeijing, July 11 - Wang Yifu, head coach of Chinese shooting team for London Games, expects a hard time for his team at the London Olympics, but believes the shooters will make every effort to show the best performance.

China had always been a competitive team in shooting event. The shooting powerhouse, making the best of the home court advantage, swept five out of the 10 golds on offer at the pistol and rifle event four years ago in Beijing Games, reports Xinhua.

However, it would not be an easy job to repeat that accomplishment in London.

"The team finished a four-week training session in the past month, and I'm glad to find that most players improved their stability."

Shooting will produce the first gold in London, and China has sent young girls Yi Siling and Yu Dan to seek their opportunity on the 10m air rifle event.

Eight years ago, Du Li finished the task in the 2004 Games, but the huge pressure stopped her from doing that again in Beijing 2008.

In London 2012, the world record holder Yi would carry that burden.

"The first gold is always difficult to get. However, the pressure is the same with other teams," said Wang.

"No one can book the gold before the final shot, and that's the beauty of the shooting sport."

With less than 20 days left before the opening of the London event, Wang and his shooters are trying their best to help the team.

"I hope all our athletes can get their satisfactory result, and the shooters are also trying hard for the goal," said Wang. "I'm confident of every fight." (IANS)


Hulk determined to win over Brazil fans

Hulk determined to win over Brazil fansFortaleza (Brazil), June 19 - Brazil forward Hulk insists he is unaffected by jeers from the stands and has vowed to win over the hearts and minds of Brazilian supporters during the Confederations Cup.  Read more »

Spain retains UEFA Under-21 crown

UEFA-U-21Jerusalem, June 19 : Spain retained the 2013 UEFA U-21 soccer championship beating Italy 4-2 here at the Teddy Stadium.

Spanish captain Thiago Alcantara hit a hat-trick in the first half  Read more »

Sri Lankans will target Indian bowling: Jayasuriya

Sanath-JayasuriyaCardiff, June 19 : Former captain Sanath Jayasuriya said Sri Lanka will target the Indian bowlers during the Champions Trophy semifinal slated for Thursday at the Sophia Gardens here.  Read more »

Champions Tropny semifinals: England put South Africa in to bat

england-vs-south-africaLondon, June 19 : England opted to field against South Africa in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy at the Kennington Oval here Wednesday.  Read more »

Mahindra's Locatelli takes double win at Misano

Andrea-LocatelliMisano (Italy), June 17 : Both Mahindra Racing riders Andrea Locatelli and Michael Rinaldi performed well in Rounds 5 and 6 of the CIV Moto3 which concluded at the Misano World Circuit here.  Read more »

Gill leads APRC field by 12 minutes

Gaurav-GillNoumea (New Caledonia), June 15 : Gaurav Gill (co-driver Glenn Macneall) took a commanding 12-minute lead for the MRF Tyres Rally team after Day 1 of the Rally of New Caledonia, the second round of the  Read more »