Olympic report

Basketball

The U.S. women’s team faced its first challenge of the Olympics, and found a way to advance. Trailing early in the second half, coach Geno Auriemma turned to his Olympic rookies and the group – led by Tina Charles and Lindsay Whalen – pressured Australia into turnovers and bad shots. That led to a pivotal scoring run in the third quarter of an 86-73 victory. The Americans, seeking a fifth straight gold medal, next play France in a matchup of unbeaten teams.

Cycling, BMX

Defending champion Maris Strombergs of Latvia eased into the semifinals after escaping an avalanche of crashes at the London Velopark. Strombergs was among eight riders who advanced after three qualifying runs. World champion Sam Willoughby of Australia had to complete two more runs before sealing his spot in the semis. Time trial world champion Connor Fields of the U.S. was unbeaten after three runs and also qualified directly for the next round.

Swimming

Eva Risztov of Hungary led most of the way in a grueling open water marathon at Hyde Park, holding off a desperate bid to chase her down by American Haley Anderson. The big crowd was hoping for a gold medal from world champion Keri-anne Payne, but the British swimmer finished fourth.

Beach volleyball

Germany’s Julius Brink and Jonas Reckermann beat reigning world champions Alison and Emanuel of Brazil 23-21, 16-21, 16-14 in the men’s final. It was the first gold medal for a European team in a sport that has been dominated by the Brazilians and Americans. Janis Smedins and Martins Plavins of Latvia took the bronze.

Diving

Chen Ruolin of China won the women’s 10-meter platform gold, easily defending her title from Beijing. Chen totaled 422.30 points during the five-dive final, winning by a 55.80-point margin. Brittany Broben, a 16-year-old from Australia competing in her first Olympics, took the silver at 366.50.

Synchronized swimming

Russia led the technical routine of the team event – as expected. Russia has won this event at the past three Olympics. Featuring Natalia Ishchenko and Svetlana Romashina, the pair that won the duet Tuesday, it collected a near-perfect 98.1 points.

Canoe sprint

The quartet of Tate Smith, Dave Smith, Murray Stewart and Jacob Clear gave Australia a lift with a surprising wire-to-wire win in the men’s 1,000-meter K-4. It was Australia’s first team gold in canoe sprint.