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Team GB ended the first full day of competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games without a medal, but Adam Peaty, Andy Murray and Max Whitlock enjoyed their first taste of action.
Reigning champion and world record holder Adam Peaty is through to the semi-final of the 100 metres breaststroke, underlining his status as the overwhelming favourite to become the first British swimmer to retain an Olympic title.
The 26-year-old from Uttoxeter prevailed in his heat in 57.56 seconds at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, the quickest time of anyone to compete in the event on Saturday night and the eighth fastest of all time over the distance.
In gymnastics, Max Whitlock booked his spot in another pommel horse final but saw his idol, Japan’s Kohei Uchimura, suffer disappointment at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre.
The 32-year-old national hero Uchimura had dreamed of winning a third straight all-around title in front of his home fans but fell during his routine.
“I don’t usually watch the other gymnasts but I couldn’t really not notice Kohei on the high bar,” said two-time gold medallist Whitlock, who also competed on high bar and parallel bars in order to ensure the four-man GB team qualified for the men’s final.
“It’s a huge shame for him in his home country, especially because in the warm-up gym he has been looking amazing.
“It is so difficult coming out to do just one piece, and I’ve only just begun to realise that over the years as I’ve become more of a specialist myself.”
Andy Murray claimed an impressive victory on his return to the Olympic stage alongside his men’s doubles partner Joe Salisbury.
However, Great Britain’s hopes of winning the first medal of the Games for the first time since 1908 fell flat when Seonaid McIntosh missed out on the podium in the women’s 10m air rifle.
Helen Glover launched her bid for a third Olympic gold medal and insisted there was more to come.
The two-time Olympic champion finished third in her women’s pairs heat with Polly Swann as they opened their Tokyo campaign.
In the women’s football, Manchester City forward Ellen White nodded in her third goal of the tournament as Great Britain guaranteed their progress to the knockout stages with a 1-0 victory over hosts Japan, who remain winless after two games.
England have collected two wins from two in Group E ahead of their final match against Canada on Tuesday.
Team GB head coach Hege Riise reflected: “We are all happy with two wins now. It puts us in a good position, able to rest players and recover well – we are very happy.
“We put Sophie Ingle in more as a defensive player against Japan, I think that worked well.
“Of course attacking-wise we lacked a little, but we knew that could happen. I feel like the connection has got better and better each game and that’s what we need to get used to.
“In the second half we changed the formation a little. We came out well and controlled the game much better.”
What’s coming up on day two
Jade Jones is eyeing a piece of history on Sunday as she aims to become the first British woman to win gold medals at three separate Olympics.
She competes in taekwondo’s -57kg category while Bradly Sinden is a medal contender for the men’s -68kg.
Peaty is back in the pool for his 100 metres breaststroke semi-final while Murray is back in action in the men’s singles.
Host country favourite Naomi Osaka, who lit the Olympic flame on opening ceremony night, ends her self-imposed break from tennis.
And there will be a first glimpse of Simone Biles in the women’s gymnastics qualifiers, while Team GB’s women’s hockey team begin the defence of their title against Germany.
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