Headlines

Medalist on the market

Abhinav Bindra becameIndia’s first individual gold medalist -- and it’s most eligible bachelor.

The 25-year-old shooter hit a near perfect10.8 inthe men’s 10 meter air rifle event, prompting his female fan base to leave congratulatory messages online and in-person at a victory party hosted by his parents.

Indiahas only won four individual medals, none of them gold, since sending its first delegation to the Summer Games in 1928.

Battling athletes, cancer

Eric Shanteau has something more than Olympic races swimming through his mind this summer.

The 24-year-old US swimmer was diagnosed with testicular cancer in June, but postponed treatment to race the 200 meter breaststroke in the Beijing Games.

Shanteau came seventh in his event on Tuesday which qualifies him to compete in the semi-finals today.

All over for young stallion

China's youngest-ever Olympic equestrian rider has finished his debut at the Games in the dirt.

Eighteen-year-old Alex Hua Tian was disqualified after a fall during the cross-country competition inHong Kong.

Eventing rules say any rider who falls off his horse during a match cannot continue to compete. Alex’s fall was thought to be due to a technically-difficult course combined with his low level of experience.

Games cool down

Beijinghas seen cool, overcast skies the past few days after rainstorms cleared last week’s humid haze.

Beijing’s Meteorological Administrations says the lower temperatures will hold, bringing comfort to athletes competing in outdoor venues.

The average temperature during the Games is expected to be 25 Celsius.

Games recap

Zhong spears gold

China’s Zhong Man won the first fencing gold of the Beijing Games in the men’s saber competition last night.

The 25-year-old swordsman beat Nicolas Lopez ofFrance15-9, relegating the French men with the silver medal.

This is China’s first fencing title in 24 years.

The country won it’s first fencing gold when Luan Jujie won the women’s foil competition at the 1984 Games inLos Angeles.

Comeback kids

Spain staged an amazing come-from-behind victory last night upsetting hosts China in the Men’s Basketball.

Spain was behind by as much as 14 points during the game but after a stunning comeback they evened the scores with 30 seconds to go, pushing the match into extra time.

During the five minutes of extra time Spain took control early, helped by a number of steals and won the match 85-75.

This is the second loss for Chinaafter losing to basketball powerhouses United States.