Seven-time kayaking gold medalist Birgit Fischer of Germany — trying to become the first woman to win Olympic medals 24 years apart — had a strong start. Her four-person kayak never trailed in its 500-meter heat. The American women's K-4 boat finished last in the same five-kayak heat but remains in contention.

CYCLING

Three quick races, about 40 seconds of hard pedaling time, and it was all over for U.S track cyclist Jennie Reed, who was eliminated from the opening rounds of the sprint competition. She finished second in the consolation race, placing her 10th in a 12-woman field. Australia easily defeated Britain for the gold medal in the 4,000-meter team pursuit, adding the Olympic title to its three consecutive world championships in the event.

TABLE TENNIS

Ryu Seung-min beat China's Wang Hao in six games, becoming the first South Korean to win the men's table tennis gold medal since the sport was added at the Seoul Olympics in 1988. Wang Liqin of China won the bronze.