14 August 2008

BEIJING - Pieter van den Hoogenband has failed to achieve his dream of being the first swimmer to win gold in the 100-metre freestyle at three successive Olympic Games.

The Dutch swimmer came fifth with a time of 47.75 seconds, while Frenchman Alain Bernard took the gold at 47.21 seconds.

Marleen Veldhuis has assured herself of a place in the 100-metre freestyle final, coming second in the semi-finals with a time of 53.81 seconds. Inge Dekker, however, was knocked out of the contest.

The Dutch women's hockey team has won their third match, beating China 1-0. The men's team beat their British opponents with the same score, and will face Canada on Friday.

Dutch judokas continue to win medals in Beijing, with Edith Bosch taking the bronze in the women's 70kg category. However, her compatriot, Mark Huizinga, was knocked out of the men's 90kg category contest.

The Dutch footballers are through to the quarterfinals, beating Japan 1-0 in a difficult game.

Cyclist Marianne Vos had a disappointing result in time trials, ending 14th, while Mirjam Melchers came in 18th. In the men's cycling competition, Stef Clemens and Robert Gesink were placed 9th and 10th respectively.

Beach volleyball duo Richard Schuil and Reinder Nummerdor won their third match taking them through to the next round, while the women's eights rowing team won a place in the final.

[Radio Netherlands / Expatica]

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