London 2012 Olympics in brief

SPAIN, skippered by Tamara Echegoyen, surprised favourites Australia to win gold in the women’s match racing class – the last sailing medal of London 2012.

Australia twice recovered from going behind in the best-of-five series, but Echegoyen, Sofia Toro and Angela Pumariega went on to ensure Spain topped the podium.

HANDBALL

Norwegians retain grip on title

Norway retained their Olympic title in the women’s handball competition after edging a thrilling final 26-23 against Montenegro at the Basketball Arena last night.

It continues their domination of the game as the gold medal at London 2012 adds to the European and World Championships Thorir Hergeirsson’s side have won. For Montenegro, silver creates history as they become their country’s first Olympic medallists since independence from Serbia.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Bresset does Julie good

France’s Julie Bresset was overjoyed after a dominant cross-country mountain bike performance saw her crowned Olympic champion at Hadleigh Farm. World under-23 champion Bresset led almost from the gun and triumphed in one hour 30 minutes 52 seconds, finishing one minute two seconds clear of 2008 Olympic champion Sabine Spitz of Germany, who claimed silver aged 40, with Georgia Gould of the USA finishing third.

WRESTLING

Taymazov champion for third time

Uzbekistan’s Artur Taymazov cemented his place in freestyle wrestling history after he won the super-heavyweight division final. Taymazov had won the -120kg weight category in Athens and Beijing, and saw off Davit Modzmanashvili of Georgia last night.

BASKETBALL

US too hot to handle for France

THE United States last night won the gold in the women’s basketball with an 86-50 win over France.

The Americans have won seven out of the last eight golds in women’s basketball, and Tamika Catchings, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird all collected their third straight gold medal. Bird finished with 11 points for the US, while Gruda and Edwige Lawson-Wade led France with 12 apiece.