Americans Richards, Jones blow leads on track

Women’s water polo

The U.S. will be playing for gold, taking on the Netherlands on Thursday, but will do so without center forward Lauren Wenger.

Wenger, the team’s most versatile player, broke her right hand in the closing minutes of a 9-8 semifinal victory over Australia. Brenda Villa scored three goals, including the winner with a minute left.

The U.S. is guaranteed to keep alive its streak of winning a medal at every Olympics that has included women’s water polo. The Americans won silver in 2000 and bronze in 2004.

The Dutch advanced by upsetting Hungary 8-7 in the other semifinal.

Canoe-kayak

Rami Zur left Athens with a broken neck because of a freak pool accident. He might leave Beijing with two medals.

Zur has reached the semifinals of two kayak single (K-1) events. His berth in the 500 meters was secured a day after making it in the 1,000 meters. Carrie Johnson advanced to the women’s semis, giving the U.S. hope of returning to the Olympic flatwater medal stand for the first time since 1992.

Also, Canadian kayaker Adam van Koeverden set a world-best time in the 500-meter kayak single in a qualifying heat. Van Koeverden, who carried Canada’s flag at the opening ceremony, is the defending Olympic champion in the 500.

Beach volleyball

Get ready for a rumble.

Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor — the winners of 107 straight matches, including the last Olympic title — are headed to the finals against the Chinese duo of Tian Jia and Wang Jie.

The Americans easily beat a Brazilian tandem in the semifinals. Tian and Wang advanced by beating another team from China.

The United States has now reached the podium in all four Olympics since beach volleyball was added to the games in 1996.

“I think they are going to be the Olympic champions, for sure,” said Renata, part of the Brazilian team defeated by the Americans.

Men’s triathlon

Germany’s Jan Frodeno, who was seventh at last year’s world championship, worked his way past a pack of foes with more glittering resumes and won the gold medal. The top American was Hunter Kemper, who finished seventh.

Jarrod Shoemaker was 18th, Matty Reed 32nd. Reed’s brother, Shane, competes for New Zealand and was 34th.

MORE FROM BEIJING OLYMPICS NEWS

Beijing Olympics News Section Front

China’s gold medalists to receive $51,000 each China ends 'truly exceptional games' Castro defends athlete who kicked judge in face Beijing prepares for Olympic venues’ future China deports 10 activists after ceremony After victory, China's sports system at crossroads IOC president says Olympics opened up China New China? Bird's Nest replaces Mao on yuan Celizic: Phelps, Bolt will go down as Beijing's main men IOC: No proof China cheated in gymnastics Beijing Olympics News Section Front   Add Beijing Olympics News headlines to your news reader: