Day 5, Part 3 Winter Olympics

Jenny Jones has just taken Britain's first ever Olympic medal

on snow. To be the first champion is Olympic immortality, it will never

be forgotten. She is a superstar now! She has put a market down! Oh,

he put it down so clean. Shaun White has missed out on a medal.

Welcome back to Sochi, our coverage of the Winter Olympics continues. I

am not sure I expected to see this. It is quite something. It has been a

brilliant Games so far. A bit of history, the women's downhill, the

first time ever it was a dead heat, Slovenia and Switzerland taking it.

Slight 's appointment for Eve Muirhead and their team as they lost

to Canada 9-6, and there is plenty more great action coming up. Today

is our first chance to have a look at the Nordic combined competition,

a heady mix of ski jumping and cross country skiing. When it comes to the

women's ice hockey, the US and Canada face off. Can Shady Davis

succeed where Shaun White failed and take his third consecutive Olympic

gold. And we are back at the pipe once again with American Kelly Clark

the odds on favourite. Let's start with a trivia question,

what is the only Winter Olympics sport for men only? Here is the

answer. Ever present in the Winter Olympics programme since the first

Games in 1924, Nordic combined is about strategy, strength and

stamina. The individual event is split into two distinct elements.

One ski jump followed by a ten metre cross country skiing race -- a ten

kilometre cross country. A high-scoring ski jump is crucial to

winning gold as the athletes with the longest jump again a head start

in the ten K race. There is also a team race with cat Massa -- with

four athletes per team. Norway had won the most medals were 26, a --

including 11 golds. The Russians are getting excited

down in the auditorium. He was second in the training jump. He

started this season well but has faded a bit. He needs a good jump

here, this is his better discipline of the two. A solid start from the

Russian. He produced 101 metres in the training round, just shy of 100

there. Those of you who are new to ski jumping, you will see two

redlines. The first red line is the equivalent to a par in golf. If you

land on it you will get 60 points, if you are further, points are

added, if you are sure, points are taken away. The second red Line is

the Hill distance itself which is 106 metres. Lodwick is the only

American to appear in six editions of a winter or summer Games. He is

an unstoppable force. Is there one more day of magic? I think there is.

He has enjoyed that. Much better than he produced in the training

run. Kato is another grey jumper from Japan. He has been in the top

five in every training round so far in Sochi. Can he produced the goods

again? Yes, he can. His compatriot is in second place at the moment.

And he has matched his compatriot. He produces a distance of 100

metres. How close will he get to his compatriot, Watabe, in terms of

style marks. He just sat back. He goes second, Watabe is down to

third. Edelmann is an experienced campaigner. A good run of

performances in the last World Cup leading to this. Is it an indication

that he has something special in Sochi? It could be. That was

excellent. He brings form and a huge wealth of experience to this

competition. Could he spring a surprise or two come the cross

country later today? He moves into third place. Moan was a silver

medallist in 2006, he is a brilliant skier but needs to produce something

solid to give himself a chance in the ten K. Yes, he is going to love

that. He is really demonstrative, the Norwegian. He was furious with

himself after his performance in the training round. And this is a guy

who may not be the best jumper, but if he is in with a shout, if he is

within a minute of this verse starter on the cross country, you

will have the belief and the challenge and expectation that he

can again get amongst the medals, as he did in Italy -- if he is a minute

of this first starter. Now it starts to get exciting. Chappuis is the

defending champion, he has been out of sorts this year, what can he

produce? The crowd like it. He is not giving too much away with that

body language. He hasn't enjoyed the fact that his rival, Frenzel, has

been the man of the moment this season. Chappuis is down to fourth

in the World Cup rankings this year and he would dearly love to defend

his title and give Frenzel something to think about come the large hill.

The left arm, much further back than the right, a little wobble on the

landing, but that was big. The Norwegian, determined to go further

than his fifth place at the World Championships. Is he going to be the

man to challenge the jewel between Chappuis and Frenzel? Who we will

see jumping in a moment or two. Watabe, he would desperately love to

get the first Japanese individual medal in this for 20 years.

That is going to be good enough to get him in the hunt for a medal.

There will be an enormous amount of work to do come the ten K but you

can see by his little flirt with the camera, Watabe is a very cool, calm

customer. He just missed out on a medal at the World Championships

last year. He has been in brilliant form on the World Cup standings.

Hence he is jumping after Chappuis. He and his brother, both producing

great jumps here. Watabe has gone into the lead. Frenzel is the

overwhelming favourite for gold. Oh, yes! Many have said, the only

way he can lose this gold medal is if he suddenly has an attack of

nerves. Frenzel has got halfway to a first winter Olympic gold medal. The

ten K will take a lot longer than this, but he has been absolutely

dominant on the World Cup circuit this year. And it is the one he

really, really wants. So easy for something to go wrong on the ski

jumping, but he has held it together, and he absolutely loves

that. Frenzel will start first, and he has the upper hand at the cross

country, because they will all, including Watabe, be playing catch

up. The marching band is still causing a

bit of a stir but I am under strict instructions by my sound man to be

as far away as possible, my cameraman is less than happy. Can

the Norwegian stop Frenzel? We will find out.

COMMENTATOR: For the first time in Nordic combined history, there is a

dedicated Nordic combined course for these guys. This is just for the

Nordic combined competitors. Four circuits of 2.5 K. 35 metres, the

biggest individual climb. 88 metres of climbing on every loop. It is a

tough, tough course. But it is really good now that this sport is

being recognised to the point of having its own course. Which, as I

just said a moment ago, has never happened before. We had reports,

especially from the Americans, Lodwick set in the record for six

consecutive appearances, -- setting the record. The Americans saying it

is very slushy and there is a feeling that this may favour the

lighter guys this afternoon. Glorious sunshine in the Gorky ski

Jumping Center. Only Watabe and Klimov start within

reach of Frenzel. Watch out for Moan, he would admit that the ten K

is his best event. He could be the kind of guy who could wait awake --

weighed his way through the field and claw back some of the deficit.

They will come up thick and fast. What is going through the mind of

Eric Frenzel? The overwhelming favourite. 46 men and they will all

be chasing the man who has barely put a foot wrong all season. The

front right of your picture, wearing number one, he is number one so far

this year. Can he do it now on the biggest stage of all? Watabe heads

out onto the course just six seconds adrift. Fourth in the World

Championships on the large hill last year. And he want to upgrade. He

will try as best as he can to hang onto Frenzel. Ten, 12 guys, now 25

to 30 seconds adrift. Watabe is desperate to avoid finishing fourth,

as he did in the large hill last year at the World Championships.

Frenzel, just tucking in at this stage. One and two, and they are

still first and second right now. You can see the rest of them just

coming under that walkway. In the back of shot. 15 is Moan.

One of the very fast Norwegians is in that group as well. We are now

closing in on the four K checkpoint, that is the halfway stage. Is Magnus

Moan dragging the entire field back into contention? Let us keep our eye

on the clock here. He is left of frame. Yes, he is. Magnus Moan was

absolutely pumped after his ski drum -- ski jump. He has come from 15th

up to third and interestingly, from the rest of the field's perspective,

they have gone with him. These ten Cape Laurel macro can be so close.

--10ks. You never know until the winner is over the line. It can

always change so quickly. Everybody in Nordic combined thinks

that Frenzel is capable of getting the goals. Akito Watabe goes ahead

of Frenzel again. What wild celebrations would come from the

Japanese who have made the trip here to Sochi. No Japanese man has ever

won this event which has been part of the Winter Olympic programme

since 1924, right at the beginning. Magnus Moan is in third. Magnus

Krogh is in there too. There is a battle going on, but will it be for

the bronze? This gap looks as though it is too big now. It is growing.

The last graphic said that it was nine seconds and it is ticking along

to 15. The coaches are roaring instructions. They will be letting

them know just how far behind the rest of the group are. Magnus Moan

is doing a fantastic job in third place but Big Apple is growing

again. 12 seconds now. Krog has come through on the inside of Magnus

Moan. Alessandro Pittin cannot be ruled out either. He is in that

chasing pack at the moment. Yoshito Watabe RB is still trying to take

the initiative away from Eric Frenzel. Alessandro Pittin is trying

to move past another skier. Magnus Moan is in fifth place. We are

watching the two leaders. They are the hunted at the moment. Have they

done enough to stay away and secure gold and silver? Krog, Alessandro

Pittin, it looks as though Magnus Moan may be a spent force in terms

of the medals. It is a huge finish. Look at Eric Frenzel trying to come

through on the inside. It is Germany and Japan battling side-by-side.

Frenzel tries to steal an advantage as they head back into these ski

jumping centre. Eric Frenzel has moved away, he has got the gap that

he needed. He is producing the class that we have seen from him on the

world-class circuit all year. It looks as though you're Suki --

Yoshito Watabe the settling for silver. It has been a superb race.

Eric Frenzel put himself in pole position to win himself his first

Olympic title with a wonderful performance in the ski jump. He is

grimacing and now he starts to celebrate, the realisation dawns

that he is a Winter Olympic champion. Yoshito Watabe the

produces Japan's first medal in 20 years. It is Magnus Krogh that

manages to meet Alessandro Pittin for the bronze. A great performance

there. It is no easy thing to go into the biggest competition of your

life as the red-hot favourite with everybody expecting you to win and

all you can do is lose but he coped with the pressure admirably.

In terms of the medal table it makes pleasant reading for Germany because

they have overtaken Norway at the top with that gold medal. Norway are

in second place. The hosts are down in seventh and Great Britain has the

one medals so they are down in 20 First Place. Now we will head over

for our next action, it is the USA versus Canada in the ice hockey. The

US won the first women's title in 1998 but the Canadians have won the

last three but four out of the five last world championships have gone

to the Americans so this is a tasty North American Derby.

The Canadians on top of the world in women's ice hockey. It is USA versus

Canada. It was the American comedian and actor Rodney Dangerfield that

said he had a ticket to fight and a hockey match broke out. There is

before these teams -- there is history between these teams.

It remains goalless between these two heavyweights in women's hockey.

They are very strong. It has been a cracking game so far. There is

plenty of opportunity. They are very equally matched. Here is Rebecca

Johnston, the leading scorer for Canada so far in this competition.

It has been airtight so far and the crowd has been treated to a

thriller. Every player on the ice is playing well.

That is Kelli Stack, she has been instrumental in the American attack.

There was a great defensive play here.

She fires wide and pulls the trigger. But she missed the net. She

has had some shots on target already. Michelle Picard had a good

outlet pass and it is centre by the Americans. Meghan Duggan is the

first in. Hayley Wickenheiser is in. The Americans come in with Amanda

Kessel, she falls. Hayley Wickenheiser picks up the pieces, a

great outlet pass. It is a Meghan Agosta-Marciano. They are rattling

around in there. The Canadians are wearing the red shirts.

It was stolen by Marie-Philip Poulin. What will she do? Johnston

drove hard. It went wide. Canada are on the front foot. Those plays have

happened a number of times. Johnston is behind the net. She skates so

well. It goes to Marie-Philip Poulin. That was nearly a bad

ricochet from an American point of view. Johnston again. The Canadians

are searching. That angled shot went wide. It is kept alive. That was a

good save. The angle was cut down well. All of that momentum started

with the line. The Americans are getting tired trying to get the puck

past their line. They turn it over. They got a shot in on gold and it

all started with tired legs in that area.

Caroline Roulette facing off for Canada. The Americans push out of

the zone. Canada are forcing here, they are putting their foot down and

asking questions of the Americans that they have not come close to

seeing yet. The referee takes a tumble but she is OK and she gets

up. Caroline Roulette has so much experience.

The Americans are penned back. Maybe it can be set clear. Hilary Knight

opens things up to Carpenter. Kelli Stack has had serious injury

problems in the last year. She will come into her own as the tournament

goes on. She is so persistent. She is a direct line player and quite

slight in relation to some of the bigger American defencemen and

forwards. But she can move well and she is very clever. Here is Jenna

and it is a great pace. -- pass. It is going end to end. This is

Hayley Wickenheiser. She drives too early and she was offside. It is a

difficult play. This is a difficult combination. This is the play from

Jocelyne Larocque row and it is an opportunity for the Americans to

take a point. It is the Hillary Wickenheiser line

against the fourth unit of the Americans. They play in groups of

three. When we talk about lines that is what we mean. Each side will roll

through three or four with the first being the more strong and the fourth

being more defensive. Megan Bozek goes back. With all the

line changing in the sport of ice hockey many think it is like

organised chaos but there is more organisation than you think. Take it

away Marie-Philip Poulin and! Good save. Under pressure.

Marie-Philip Poulin is like a bloodhound out there. She is able to

sense an opportunity. She is able to just squeeze the American defence at

the right times. They try to make a play and she knows how to get her

body in front and it is a great offensive opportunity for the

Canadians to take a good example. What a save. -- to take ad vantage,

what a save! Rebecca Johnston loses the faceoff

and Marvin will take over for the Americans. We are still waiting for

someone to Open the account here. It remains 0-0. The Canadians sent this

one all way round. It is a real chance out front. It is daylight

robbery as Brianna Decker... The celebrations were almost there. Look

at this here, rolling out of the corner and Brianna Decker tried to

go up high. It was taken down to safety. It could have gone a little

bit higher there. The quick release nearly made that happen. The

Americans after being under pressure comeback with a chance of their own.

It is a game that is slow flying -- it is a game that is so finely

poised. Nicholson chases back. Good hands. No call by the referee.

Players allowed to continue. Gillian Apps puts the pressure on.

Hayley Wickenheiser. It looks so easy for her as she

sends it in deep. Lauriane Rougeau hits it hard into the boards but I'm

sure that is not a penalty on Hillary red night. Play continues

with Carpenter who sends it in deep. Hilary Knight gets back. A late

change for Canada. They may be surprised it was not a penalty call.

It has been a good period so far for team Canada. The Canadian bench will

be feeling good about itself at this stage. They will do but the

Americans are playing better than in the first period. They have been

able to match the opportunities. Hilary Knight has not been as

dominant as she was in the first game that we saw her, but she is

definitely a leader. She just cause her opponent and her opponent was

down for a while, I am wondering if she was injured, or wanting to see

whether or not there was still a play in the zone. I think it is a

penalty. I think she is grabbing her to prevent the call. If you are

going to call that on contact alone, Knight barges are too far. In the

men's game, body checking is fine but in the women's game it is not

allowed. The line between body contact and body checking has been a

little bit blurry. The Americans will clear it away. Ward for Canada.

Into the offensive zone, on the chase. Decca for the US. There is a

crisscross. She doesn't realise where the puck is. Good hands from

Rebecca Johnson. Not making the most of their opportunities here. That

play from Rebecca Johnson was world-class. She came out with

stripes to get the puck across. This could be a chance. Good strength in

the end. Now it is sent in. Jenna is an energy player. She skates nicely

out of her own zone. Good play defensively. The Americans win back

possession. The cannon from range. That is far enough, she sends it in

and now there is an opening to work with. Not quite connecting in the

offensive zone right now. Good movement to get the puck up, it

looked promising but it sort of dissipated. Stack feeds it out in

front. Knight was crashing. Rougeau is back out there. It will be an

icing call as Rougeau goes back wearily. These teams are only

allowing one phase on the offensive attack. Because they are not

spending much time there, we're not seeing the extra secondary and third

level shots that really trouble a team. Both teams are doing well to

clear their lines and keep this park as an open opportunity to push you

in the open zone -- to keep this puck. This could be a dresser as for

the gold-medal game. These two have contested the final already a number

of times at the Winter Olympics. The Americans have not won it since the

first one in 1998, it has been Canadian domination ever since. The

Americans come in as favourites. Rebecca Johnson does really well,

the puck was stuck under her feet. Now into the offensive zone with

Canada. The Americans come in waves. This

line is so exciting to watch. A nice feed all the way across by

Ouellette. Ouellette goes close off the side of the net. Ouellette

getting the responsibility in this game, she is an experienced player.

That was a lovely reverse. It is easy for the Canadians. Now a chance

out in front. A good save. It was so close to sneaking through. That is

the best save of the game so far. We talk about Apps may be taking a back

seat but this service from Wickenheiser and Apps, who have been

doing this for a couple of Games. That could easily have trickled

across the American line. The conversation between coach and

reverie. And occasionally, the referees will explain a call to the

request of the coach, it saves a lot of frustration. It is game

management for these officials, how they manage the emotion of the

benches. Vetter did not see that but luckily it went well wide. Stack did

not have a clue where the puck had gone. Is into the corner from

Spooner. It is an odd angle. The Americans are going for a full

change. Trouble at the back. She has done really well, she has created

something out of nothing. Ward with a hard-hit on Lamoureux. The

whistle-blowers, confusion reigns on the ice. -- the whistle blows. It

was a linesman who blew the whistle so we are trying to interpret

ourselves. It is a hand pass, which you are allowed to do in your

defensive zone. That is Catherine Ward who just shovels it forward.

Unless there is a rule change... You can't do it in the offensive zone.

Clarity regarding that. There will be a face-off inside the Canadian

zone. I wonder whether they have decided that ward covered the puck

and froze it with her hand. That is why it remains in the zone rather

centre ice. Who is going to get the breakthrough? The teams that have

been skipping down the path when it has come to knocking on the door,

nobody has been able to find anybody to answer it. Great pass. There is a

fall, the shot will come. Battering it out in front, is there a chance

for Johnston? Canada will go on a power play in a minute. The penalty

is coming. I think it might be Duggan who is going, and

interference call on the American captain. The Canadians could have

got more on that opportunity. The Canadian defender leaves the eyes.

This was the opportunity coming in that led to the power play. Hefford

is taken down. Poulin gets onto it. The DOS minutes coming up with 7.33

remaining -- the two minutes, not. Duggan plays on the edge. She was

pursuing the Canadian, Jenner, so hard from behind. I thought it was

riding the edge of somebody getting hurt. To the point where it was

borderline reckless. This hopefully isn't the price the Americans have

to play for getting too emotional in the heat of the battle, when it

still remains scoreless. Hefford scored the gold-medal winning goal,

all the way back in 2002 when Canada won 3-2 in Salt Lake City.

It deflects just off the stick of Hefford. Johnston on the blue line.

We watch is back on the power play after being removed in game two.

Knight has company. She is digging in. From one end to the other in a

matter of seconds, the Canadians are not happy here. But they only have

themselves to blame and I think they may be taking a penalty. This is

stacked right in, it is a bit of a forced play, they are trying to run

a high position. Hillary Knight gets a cross. Rebecca Johnston was

chasing back with some pursuit which you couldn't help by the time she

arrived in front of goal to give a little extra, and now she is in the

box. We go four on four, a quick chance for the US.

Now the Canadians come back the other way, it is with Catherine Ward

who leads the rush. Good play from the goal-tender. Catherine Ward can

open up the play, it was good skating by the defenceman. It is

still 00 0-0 after 34 minutes. They have got to be careful here. A good

stretch. The US will go on a short power play

in 36 seconds time. Until then, there is the extra space on the ice.

Agosta may be able to exploit it. We get a whistle and a face. Great play

by Agosta to take the puck North to get a shot on goal. Here it was

again. If that is a penalty, it should have been in the box. Rebecca

Johnston is more likely to be a threat,

sometimes it does not look so bad in slow motion. Carpenter works it

well. Her dad was an NHL veteran, a 50 goal scorer with the Washington

side. Back to the blue line it goes. The rebound pops out, there is a

fall at the first hurdle. The Canadians will clear. No icing

called. Bobby Carpenter was an 18 year veteran but he did not get to

play for the national programme because it was before national --

professional players were allowed. Meghan Duggan was unable to finish

as Canada go back to full strength. It was a great moment there for the

Canadians to get themselves settled but this is just a case of flipping

a coin as to who will score first. There were chances for both of

them. The doughnuts remain on the scoreboard. Rebecca Johnston is a

super offensive player and she attacks so well.

One back at the other end by Meghan Duggan. Her pass only goes as far as

Monique Lamoureux. Ward to Agosta. Better needs to

chances here to hang on. -- Jessie Vetter.

Gigi Marvin has had a great game defensively. This is the shot,

coming in and a touch in front, great resistance from Megan Johnston

but you -- Meghan Duggan that you get a sense the crowd are starting

to favour the Canadians. Speaking to people in and around the

Canadian camp, a few former players were predicting that this could be a

tough afternoon. The shots now comes from Hilary Knight. A hard hit on

the wall by night. -- Hilary Knight. 332 to go in the period. This is for

the right to finish top of group A. These two are already through to the

semifinals but will they go through as first or second seed? That is

what is at stake as well as pride for your nation. Good play here. The

two that finish top will go right to the semifinals and the bottom two

world battle against the ones from the other group.

The men's tournament starts later. One of two games that we are going

to bring you is the Czech Republic against Sweden. Sweden are the

current world champions. If it goes as well as this as we have another

penalty called, Kessel has the call, and as if it is as good as this game

we will be in for a real treat. The indication is that it is body

checking. In ice hockey just the one arm across the body and that was

Lauriane Rougeau taking down the American by the boards. We have seen

similar but because you are taking away an advantageous offensive rush

for the Americans that is why the whistle had blown. I get a sense

that in this the Americans are really thirsting for an opportunity

in this power play. It would be a wonderful time to score with three

minutes remaining in the period. Hayley Wickenheiser instead of

Gillian Apps. It is experience rather than speed. Hilary Knight for

the US. They are like tenpin is falling as Hillary Wickenheiser goes

down. Hilary Knight is so strong. Hayley Wickenheiser -- Hayley

Wickenheiser gets back and is quick with the stick.

A good pass from Carpenter to Megan Bozek and a hard-hit but wide of the

target. It goes to Anne Schleper and she scores. The US take the

advantage on the power play! She blasted it home. It was a snapshot

that left Charline Labonte take clutching thin air and the American

fans go mad. Tremendous execution on this power play. It initially went

to Hilary Knight who bounced back. They recovered and then Anne

Schleper, and it might be Hilary Knight to gets a touch on it as well

but that was an incredibly well taken snapshot. Charline Labonte

take cannot do much with it. Here it is again and I do think that Hilary

Knight gets a touch. It is a gamebreaker for the Americans.

Hilary Knight had points in eight games coming into today. You can

make that nine because I think she will end up getting the credit for

this one. Wonderful hand and eye coordination to do that. It was

travelling in the high 70 mph because Anne Schleper had a very

hard shot. Another shot comes in and the Canadians had got to be strong

here. Charline Labonte a is forced to scramble and we have seen the

Americans do this before. There is a bit of pushing and shoving.

Lamoureux is there an Meghan Duggan is there and the Americans are on

the edge at the moment. They have momentum with them. They cannot

afford to get too carried away. This was the move for the Americans

coming forward and a shot from Lamoureux then it was a real

scramble. It was like a cannonball coming through the American forward

and that is what created the aggravation at the end. They got

there and it was Hilary Knight against the park. The American

forwards came in with reckless abandon and that starts to get under

your skin. A great time to score a goal, right at the end of the

period. The Americans have the lead and they have a shot now. It is from

the angle. Johnston will bring it back for the Canadians. Deep in her

own zone, it is Kacey Bellamy. Brianna Decker to Kacey Bellamy.

Bellamy is an honour -- Kacey Bellamy is under a lot of pressure.

She tried to feed that across but she should have been more selfish.

The danger is not yet clear for Canada. They are rocking right now.

They need the bell. If it was boxing you would expect a standing eight

count. Can the Americans find a knockout blow here just before the

end of the second session or will Canada be sparked enough just to

hang on. Nicholson has to get this, she does

but she gives it away. Once again Hilary Knight has proved to be the

key. Hilary Knight was denied her fourth

goal of the Olympics. Three goals, two assists, Hilary Knight is the

new breed of women's player, big and strong and athletic. She is the new

Hayley Wickenheiser. That is high praise. Hilary Knight is a little

bit younger and faster and smoother and she takes her chances when they

come. She is right in front of goal which is always real estate -- prime

real estate. 31 seconds to go in the session. The Americans will be happy

to hear the hooter. They have got the wheels rolling and they can

bounce into the locker room but will they bounce in with another goal to

their name? This is modern with a long-range effort? Meghan Duggan is

digging. Eventually she is dumped on her backside but she wants to get up

and have a little interaction. The Americans are looking for a knockout

punch here before the end of the second period. If they could get a

second goal here they would really have the Canadians bleeding.

Charline Labonte take it that one strong and with the forthcoming from

Meghan Duggan she has been able to hold tight in the Canadian goal. She

shut the door as the puck was heading for her.

Marvin as the hooter blows. It is 1-0 US period. Our goal on the power

play from Hilary Knight is the difference between these two. I do

not think you need to take too much into it. It is a one shot game and

there are 20 minutes left to go and this game is entirely in the balance

but you have to give a bit of a nod to the Americans for taking

advantage of the power play. The Canadians have to go back to the

drawing board. This is for first place in group a and also address

rehearsal for probably the gold-medal game and it is the United

States that hold the advantage with 20 minutes to go. Hilary Knight

scored the goal and they lead the Canadians by 1-0.

Muirhead make the right decision on how to end it? If you ask her that

question she will say was the right shot. She loves the big shots that

Stone was on and she could have hit all three points out and it would

have been a matchwinner. It has got to be how you feel on the day. Any

other skip might have said they would take the easy to and then go

into an extra end and try and steal one. That is a difficult decision,

whether it was the right shot all the wrong shot but I don't think Eve

will be disappointed because, let me tell you, later on in the matches

she will pull these big shots off and it will make a difference. You

say that it was not the wrong decision but she seems to be on a

knife edge since she arrived here. Might she want to ease herself a

little bit and get into the 10th or 11th end, the tie-breaker? You can

say that. These first matches were tough, Sweden and Canada, the two

other medal contenders. Jennifer Jones the Canadian skip against

Sweden yesterday was unbelievable and Eve had a difficult first match

and came back one against the USA. I thought they played well today and

both teams were missing shots and there was pressure and they were

trying to put pressure on each other. Eve played some big shots and

Jennifer Jones played some big shots as well. I think the important thing

was to play well. We want to win as many games as possible and make sure

we are in the top four are the key was to match them and they matched

them well throughout the game. When eve saw a chance to go for a chance

to go for it and win it, you imagine if that shot had come off? It was a

good ploy. I like the fact that good going for that at that point.

Otherwise you pick up two and you going to be 11 friends and they

still have the hammer and they might be able to shut out the game. You

have to have a chance when you have -- have to have a go when you have a

chance. I do not think we should be too hard on her. I think she is on

an edge and you can see her emotions out there. She will put it behind

her and I would like to see if that shot comes up again she will go for

it again. Three matches down and two losses, against Sweden and Canada.

What do she and her team need to do to make sure they qualify? Before

they came here they would understand that Sweden are the current European

champions and Canada are one of the best teams in the world and they

would always be difficult games. Losing these games is not so

Bachchan big issue. They now have to win the games they are expected to

and then continue forward. The lucky thing for Eve is that she has played

these teams early on in the championships and now she has to

pick herself up and roll on with the rest of the games. They have to

finish in the top four and then they have a semifinal place and then it

is a new competition. In terms of how they are playing, Jennifer Jones

has look fantastic. She has a lot of experience but it is her first

Olympics. The last time the two of them played Eve came out with a big

one in Las Vegas back in January. That does not mean anything. You

come here and I say do you want to do your best stuff in the heats or

play your best game when it does not matter as much? She has to maintain

the great wins for Canada, Jennifer Johnston. For Eve, they have got a

little bit of a way to go and if they can build it up, they have to

win the next couple of games against China and Korea and then get

involved on the table. If you finished third in the round robin it

doesn't matter so much. If you win the round robin it makes no

difference. You are only in the semifinals and then you have to play

two matches to win a medal. Let us not get too down and despondent.

They are playing OK and the big risk shots did not come off but you have

to take risky screw shots to win a gold medal. Now we will look at the

table to see how they are lying. How well do you see the whole team

playing? They are playing exceptionally well. This is their

first Olympics and there is always a worry when you come to your first

Olympics that the whole media frenzy and the fact you are on a huge

stage, performing for the world to seek will get on top of that -- you

but you have not seen that from these girls. I think Eve has spoken

to them and told them what it is like and told them to relax and

treated like any competition. It is not just any competition, it is the

biggest day to relax and treated like any competition. It is not just

any competition, it is the biggest they too can well. They are used to

playing at and they have a handful of medals to prove that. Thank you

for speaking to us. It is amazing in the sunshine. You need to get back

inside because we have David Murdoch and the boys against Switzerland so

get backing for that. The moment has arrived for the

fastest women on two skis to write this Russian roller coasters. In

their quest for the ultimate prize in Alpine skiing. It is time for the

2014 Olympic women's downhill. she is certainly flying at the top,

good aggressive start from Dominique. Will definitely see her

doing something here, she won her third training run and she is just

back so her team-mates will have given her a great push so she will

know exactly how because is running. A bit late in that game, that might

have cost her. She has got the green light, good

work in the middle part of the course from Gisin. Gliding nicely,

travelling quickly, adjusting her eyesight as she changes and moves

from shade to sunshine and it is getting better. Watch those legs

pumping underneath her honour in and out as she goes up and over the

bumps, brilliant skiing from this middle section, staying low, hitting

inside the tent, the legs down there and she takes that well. Fastest in

training run number three, can she be quickest of them all on downhill

Day? Lots of noise from the Swiss fans, they already have the lead in

the name of Suter. Gisin has it, Switzerland one, two in the women's

Olympic downhill. Mancuso has proved that she is able

to conquer this course and it matters most today. Charging at the

top. Mancuso really knows how to turn it on at these big events and

she loves the big stage and if anyone can do it today, then she

will. That was huge, what a landing. And what a start, a big green light,

fully in gazed with the Olympic downhill course. Silver medallist

four years ago and she has come for the gold this year. And she has got

a beautiful top section carrying loads of speed through the Traverse,

she just lost a 10th of a second there. She seems to be flapping

slightly with her hand, looking for the ideal position, she has been

pushing hard and she is taking on an early line in the last two turns.

She sets in for the line and goes nearly a full second down, too many

errors today. Possibly pushing just too hard at the top.

A big push, couple of skates, she approaches the first time rapidly.

She has had a cracking season with World Cup wins, three wins in

Super-G and one in giant slalom. Can she make it happen today when it

matters? Smooth and effortless so far. She

has got a great line and with her team-mates first and third it will

have spurred her on even more. It may be that you are in the team but

you are on your own in the course and she has got the green light and

she is pushing hard now. She does not want to be finishing fourth, she

wants to be standing on top-flight and she is in that low dynamic.

Gut keeps herself in the hunt. She will be pushing hard through the

gliding section, let's hope the skis and service men have worked hard to

prep them. She is travelling beautifully in the glide and she

switches on the green light again. It has been effortless and

faultless, it has been fast for her so far.

Fast movement from edge to edge and now she can set up and ride and

glide for the line. She is second for Switzerland, silver medal

position, Gisin clings onto gold. Switzerland first, second and fourth

now. The Slovenian away, she changed her

coach after a mediocre start to the season and when she did, she

immediately sought success with victory in the Cortina downhill Day.

She did so well in the downhill part, and she skiing well at the

top. She will be mad, she will want to make a podium today. It is great

skiing here and it is smooth. She is throwing caution to the wind down

here, the line is perfect. So far, so good for Tina Mains. -- Maze. I

am loving the body language here, her hands are low in front of her

face, driving down the hill. Hardly out of the tuck and it shows in the

time. Aiming to be the first Slovenian to win a gold medal at the

Olympic Winter Games and to become the most successful Slovenian

Olympic athlete of all time. She is getting quicker and quicker all the

time. I have goose bumps watching this, this is incredible skiing. So

good to see her on form. A small mistake which has maybe cost her a

small amount of time. The flight was not as big as it could have been.

She is hoping to break Swiss hearts this morning at Rosa Khutor. She

tucks in for the line, skiing for the gold medal, she is dead level

with Gisin. Equal, one minute 41.57. If it stays like that, they will

have to find an extra gold medal. Delight for the Slovenian

supporters, Tina Maze and Gisin show gold medal position. Laura Got

pushed into bronze. Celebrations going on at the foot of

the course but the Austrian is fast and focused. They are off to a great

start, they have the men's Allenby downhill title and they are looking

for another one here. I love watching this woman ski. She will

commit to the outside ski. She has all the Austrian resources

behind her in terms of skis. Oh, she has ground to a halt. It is over for

Fellinger. And Gisin smiles behind her skis, she will be sharing the

limelight shortly with Tina Maze and her race ends maturely. Shimmy

Alcott to start for Great Britain. -- chummy Alcott.

Only two British representatives in the Alpine programme, the other is

David Ryding, the Alpine skier. She has put all the injuries out of her

mind. She has to make a proper move over the last jump, carrying

Goodspeed. Coming into the last section now. She will not be pushing

for a medal but after all the injuries she has suffered, it is

great to see her back on the Hill and she has taken 19th position, her

best Olympic results since 2006 when she took 11th. She is happy to have

raced and have made the top 20 and realistically, her best chance is

still to come in the Super-G. I take my hat off to this girl, she has

come through so much and to see her throw herself down the downhill will

stop well done, Chemmy. The golds will go to Maze and Gisin. The

bronze to Laura microbe gut. -- Laura Gut. Another solid Olympic

performance in 19th performance for Chemmy, 19th position in her fourth

and final Olympic downhill. You get a two-minute run to show everything

have done for four years for me to prove that every time I have come

back on these leg breaks, it has been worth it and a top 20 in the

Olympics after what I have been through is amazing justice. I am so

proud. I did not disappoint myself, it was not pretty, but it was fast

and I am proud. In downhill but they do not use it

to determine the result and as you can see the third period is under

way with USA leading 1-0. COMMENTATOR: A penalty given to

start as off against the Americans so a Canadian power play, they

trailed by one goal. And this is what it is for. She has her feet

sticking right out and Brianna Decker goes in the box, Canada must

get players in front just like the Americans did with Hilary Knight

getting that touch. They must shoot for the blue line and be in front of

the goal. Brianna Decker sits, not what it said on the caption.

No penalty given there. That is when we talked about the blurring of the

body checking, to me it was a hit. A dangerous area by the bench, we have

already seen contact and she was riding out the boards but body

contact allowed, and it is a grey area.

Ouellette could not quite find the hole with that shot. The Canadians

reset in their own end. It is a birthday goal for Megan

Augusta! The tried and trusted method for the Canadians as they tie

this one up with a power-play goal. Great presence of mind and Megan

Augusta one mess at 6.5 feet out -- won't mess. -- won't miss. A

scramble in front, get it across and she could have shot that puck but

she set up with a backhand from Augusta in a better position and

that is why the Canadians score. Stand by your bed, folks, we have a

hockey game on our hands right now. Pechstein Megan Augusta. -- thanks

to Megan Augusta. It is the experience that the Canadian coach

used, Kevin Dineen. Gillian Apps goes towards the rink.

Gigi Marvin goes back. It is a real test for the Americans now.

Questions coming their way and can they answer than? Lamoureux.

Nicholson. These to know each other so well. They have a seven-game

series before they came to Sochi. The Americans came from three down

to win 4-3, that was a series. Now they have a little Olympics era is

going as well. Will this be the first of two games? That is great

defensive play from Jocelyne Larocque.

The numerical advantage is the Americans but Johnston is strong in

possession. Ward will pitch. She holds it in really pitch -- really

well. Both teams are playing very well.

There is no weak link where you think they could be exposed. You

have to work to create opportunities. Hillary Wickenheiser

fires short side and that is stopped and the whistle went before the puck

crossed the line, or has it? I thought we heard it. The Canadians

will celebrate. What will be the call of the officials? The Americans

argue the court. Spooner crashed hard and I thought I heard a whistle

on my headphones and I think they are going to go upstairs. They have

to go upstairs. You have to use the technical support available. That

was the discussion about the non-goal called in the Japanese

against Russia match yesterday. They will go across and discuss. I

thought we heard a whistle. It is so loud in here and there are whistles

in the crowd. Watch this here. The whistle is timed with the clock. She

popped it in and there was a shot and that could be a goal.

The referee arrives late and cannot see it. There is continuation of

that part. It does not have to be frozen if the referee blows the

whistle. It is all whether the whistle-blowers before the puck

crosses the line. The referee from Finland is doing up her helmet in

the box so where will she point? She points to the centre of the ice and

that means there is a goal. The Canadians take the lead. That is

much to the frustration of the Americans and Meghan Duggan is

getting very excited, as are the Canadian fans in the stand. I am

surprised it was allowed to stand. It sounded like the whistle went

before the puck cross the line but they have used technology and

technology says it is a goal so that is what the school board reads. 2-1.

It is incredible because we talk about the linking of the whistle

through to the clock and making sure that these plays are right on. The

referee arose -- the referee turned up late and she obviously did not

blow the whistle. She was blocked in from behind and it is confusing for

all of us but the best part of all of it is that she has gone and

deferred to what the video is suggesting and it is going to be

Spooner who gets the credit for the goal. It probably still is Hayley

Wickenheiser, it does not really matter for the Canadians because

they have created something from nothing. I think that goal belongs

to Hayley Wickenheiser and she will eventually get the credit. What a

turnaround we have here. Canada lead by 2-1. The Canadians, for the first

time in these Olympics, find themselves trailing. They have been

began brash and bold -- big and brash and bold. Now, can they deal

with a confident Canada. Canada are a different hockey team that have

played so far this tournament. Hillary Wickenheiser has played her

best game. What I like about her play is that she could have sent the

puck herself when she elected not to and be hockey gods must have been

watching because she got it with the second one. And then some! Face off

in the offensive zone. Quick shot comes in and straight into the glove

of Jessie Vetter. The US are rocking. They are still

right here as well. The Americans will hang tough on this one. A

snapshot from the blue line blocked. Meghan Duggan skates well.

A nice outlet for the Canadians and it could be a penalty given but it

isn't. Looking for possession. On the overlap and it whistles just

wide of the target. This goes to Hillary Wickenheiser. She tries to

thread one through and it is a tight gap. She backs herself.

I do not think anybody expected this. The long pass will be and I do

not think anybody expected this. The long pass will be an icing call.

I am becoming a big fan of Natalie Spooner. It is her first Olympic

Games and she has been outstanding. She is always in and amongst them

with a great speed and a great purpose in her play. She is a great

hockey player. This is a purpose-built venue and the

atmosphere is amazing. The Canadians are winning every

50/50 right now. Various carpenter. Hilary Knight is first to it.

The US go on a change and Brianna Decker has done really well here.

She held the ball on her own as her linemates came to join her. Decker

continues to work it. It was held at the blue line and now it is a

chance. There were predictions from the

media of a win for the US by four or five goals but it does not look as

though that will come to pass. There is a chance. A second

opportunity and the rebound is long. The US clear that. It goes to

Decker, she has good hands. Oullette is out there on a seemingly

regular shift now. She is playing well.

Brianne Jenner has it again. Her feet are constantly moving out

there. That is a huge hit from Monique Lamoureux.

That was a great pass. A good save by Canada. They have too many men on

the ice and Canada got away with it. It was a tight angle and in the

end Spooner was denied. The Canadians had six players on the ice

for quite some time there. It was at least six seconds and they are

lucky. Those long benches run halfway down the zone. Agosta is

going off to the dressing room either for repairs or equipment.

Canada were very lucky considering the powerplay goals in this game

that they have not actually conceded a penalty.

There is good defence from the Americans but there was a touch from

Rebecca Johnston and she is one of the Starts of this tournament.

Spooner was right in but she just did not rest around. It was a very

straight and direct speed. She is the kind of player that gives a lot

of pride to the building. Let us have a look at how Canada took the

lead through Hayley Wickenheiser. There was some controversy. This is

the scrambling play but Hayley Wickenheiser overtook Agosta. To get

that across was outstanding. In this second when she gets the credit and

that puck just had its own purpose. She got it there with momentum and

it found its way across the line. Go to the net hard and good things will

happen. That is the old hockey adage that is exactly what Hayley

Wickenheiser has done. That is funny as Hilary Knight brings it forward

and the big game arrives. Hayley Wickenheiser is not too far behind.

Here she is. Rubbed off the play by Hilary Knight. She felt that was a

penalty. The referee was unimpressed.

She is trying to feed it through and it will be held in by Brianna Decker

who will not give any help. Brianna Decker is very strong but she is

only five foot three. She has good body strength and a really low

centre of gravity which helps her to stay up in these tough moments. She

is the collegiate player of the year. There are five of them on the

American squad. She is very clever and she does not give it away

easily. If there were any doubts over whether Canada could go on and

win themselves another gold medal here, I think they have been

dispelled in this 50 minutes of hockey that we have seen. They have

showed more emotion and more want and execution. They are making

another here as it goes all the way through but the Americans were

clear. Amanda Kessel. Meghan Duggan was first to that one.

They are playing the game right on the brink and they could take a

penalty. We have already seen to powerplay goals in this game and you

cannot afford to give one away. Jocelyn Lamoureux and a tight angle.

Meghan Duggan lost it in the lights. Here is money Lamoureux. The twins

are on the same line and both are at the University of North Dakota. They

play college hockey. They will bring this puck away to Meghan Duggan. It

is intercepted. Jocelyn Lamoureux wins possession back.

Tara Watchorn is rattled right now, she is all over the place. I do not

know if it is the end of a long shift for her but she is struggling.

Spooner looks for something on her own. She will find the netting above

the plexiglass. It is a fair point about Tara Watchorn. She was getting

ragged at the end of the end. This is a Jocelyn Lamoureux running over

Agosta. That is what is happening. This is turning into a little bit of

a free for all. Kendall Coyne send it high and low and straight into

the zone. Nothing looks difficult for her when

she has got those skates on. She is trying to dig it out of there. The

referee have allowed that to stay pinned for very long of time.

Eventually goes back to the blue line and then it is stolen away.

Johnston tried to go clear from Canada. Is there a penalty coming?

Rebecca Johnston has drawn a powerplay but the danger is not

clear as Poulin to goes wide. They keep it in just. Here is Hayley

Wickenheiser, the old fox. Along rebound and the whistle-blowers as

the USA touch-up. I can only think of about five

players in the world that can make a move like Rebecca Johnston just

right there, in men's and women's. Rolling with momentum towards the

goal to force this American defence to take her down. It is an

exceptional player and she forces the opponent to take her down and

Rebecca Johnston changes gears in the fast lane and Canada get the

power play. She has been the player of the

tournament so far for Canada but maybe his performances for veterans

as Wickenheiser goes close and stopped on the doorstep to the

anguish of the Canadian fans. Wickenheiser all on her own.

You cannot afford to nap when you're killing a penalty.

A chance to clear away and it is cleared.

The Canadians will have a line change here as will the Americans.

And there is not want to go on the power play.

The US are still dangerous, do not count them out. They have got the

ability to score and it is a bit of a disjointed power play for Canada.

It is tough to make the precise plays. Even though you have got the

advantage, you have to outwork the opposition.

Good play, this. And the US go back to five strength -- full strength.

There is some good defensive work from the Canadian defence right now,

they are doing some things which are noticeable and looked to me like

they are growing in confidence. I am not sure there is a stronger

player in the women's game than heroic blue matter Hilary Knight.

Della macro -- Emmy-winning's game than Hilary Knight.

The Canadians now lead by three goals to one. Happy birthday, Meghan

Agosta. Canada are happy. The flags fly high for Meghan Agosta. Isn't it

sweet for her? She waits and finds a lane and she comes right down the

middle and that is some sweet Canadian syrup as she takes the

third one of this hockey game and breaks it open. Write down the

middle, nobody going to catch her and Vetter will not save that as she

jacks it through the five hole. Hilary Knight looks on. What a

birthday for Meghan Agosta, big smiles from her. And the Canadians

now with a 3-1 lead with five minutes to go in the game. Is it

game over? I wouldn't say that but there is only one team who will win

this now. The Canadians have played this game

really well. Nobody, I think in this press box, would have predicted that

Canada would have come on and more than matched the Americans. They

have been smarter. There have been chances for them to take home run

passes, try to make exceptional players and plays from nothing, they

have not done that, they have managed it and kept it simple and

just play good, fundamental hockey and not been arrogant in their play.

You talk about the fundamentals right now for Canada, and it is get

it out and get it in. Yes, and they are using all five players and every

single one knows the responsibility on the ice.

We are making the point of inconsistency in the rules of body

contact and body checking. The defender is acting like a Rover.

She can afford to take a chance to go forward and then come back to

play defensively. The Americans will restructure. The

Canadians will no now. She could have been selfish there

and gone for goal but she didn't. She was a bit blind to see the

player to her right hand side. The US for back into their own zone. Not

many options right at the end of Hilary Knight's shift.

A real opportunity now. A big blast and a second goal of the game for

the US and now we have got a grand slam finish, a slap on the blue

line. The US take the gamble and the gamble may pay off. 65 seconds

remaining. Look at the Scrabble in the zone, she could not have made a

better player of getting it to Jenner. And Labonte is falling

backwards and never gets a good piece of it as it goes through her

club pages falling back anyhow and that momentum takes into the goal

and the are able to score number 15 hits it. A time-out may be called by

the Americans but let's look at it. I think Canada have a good

opportunity to put a fourth one in. The Americans do not say die and

they make it a tight finish now. This is the joy of ice hockey.

The save an initial one from Labonte. Should she have saved it?

She should have but she got herself stretched out to defend the better

opportunity and one she had overcompensated and the puck fell

favourably, she was not set to make it and a tough one to blame Labonte

four but if she was to be the difference, the Canadians wouldn't

have played there. It went through her webbing and you can touch it,

you should be able to catch it. This must be the longest 32nd time out in

history. -- 30 second time out. They players will now be reset and

refreshed. The crowd have been treated to a wonderful game of

hockey here. These two teams are so closely matched and this is more

proof as the Americans will gamble once again.

Can the Canadians create something or can be Americans forced overtime

here? The Canadians have too many gaiters

on the eyes. Just a bit of indiscipline, given a power play

away. They put too many players on the ice. That is the second time

that has happened this season and he is frustrated. This is what happens,

the Canadians... And they did this earlier when they had a delayed

penalty, the late exchange and because the puck was so close to the

play, they focus on it and they see it that Canada got away with one

earlier. Six players on the ice for a few seconds. They are playing with

fire here and they have done this to themselves. Kevin Dineen, angry. You

should be angry at his own bench though as it is a keeper who will

sit this penalty. Meghan Agosta who scored. He is looking livid. He must

stay cool as it is about keeping the right energy on your bench. Right

now, that is a guy used to an NHL environment. You need to do it

differently. Keep your focus. Every player on each bench is leaning over

the boards. Well blocked by Wickenheiser. And

the Canadians win. What a victory for Canada. You can

see what it means to them, they will finish winners of group A. They get

the better run through to the semifinals which is the next time

they will play here. Great drama but it is the Canadians who prevail,

they have beaten the US 3-2. You step onto the track... Take a

deep breath. Thinking about the Lions, adrenaline is pumping. There

is no room for fear. Read the ice, focus, concentrate. Then, an

explosion of power and strength. Corner one - you feel your way,

shoulders, feet, body position. Attack with the toe and a move of

the head. Lightning fast reflexes, you feel the track. It is a quest

for the fastest line, finding the perfect angle. You have to stay

calm. The tiniest of errors will cost you. Making the smallest

adjustments in split-second reactions. It is about accuracy.

Precision. One false move and you are off. On

cold ice. JONATHAN EDWARDS: A beautiful sunny

day here in Sochi is giving way to a stunning even in the Olympic Park.

It looks magnificent. Set your alarm clocks for 7:30am tomorrow, Shelley

Rudman and Lizzy Yarnold in the first two runs. In training, Lizzy

Yarnold has been in outstanding form, finishing top of four of the

five training runs and one of them, half a second clear. That will take

place in the Sanki sliding Centre where we had now for one of the most

uncovered a bull looking Winter Olympic sports. First staged at 1964

games, Lucia is one of the most exciting of the Olympic sports. --

luge. Double full is a one-day competition with the combined

fastest time from two runs winning gold. They begin their run the

sitting upright, paddling the ice with spiked gloves to build up

speed. Once in an editor -- once they are in an aerodynamic position

they control the direction by manoeuvring their shoulders and

legs. The men slides together with the larger man positioned on top,

allowing for increased speeds. It is the only Olympic sports timed to

1000th of a second, many times faster than the blink of an eye. The

Canadian team were certainly the youngest team to take part in

capital W -- Whistler. They are looking very determined. Here we go.

This is a classic blues duo with the bigger man on top and the smaller

man underneath. The two of them are equal in terms

of power at the start. Walker does most of the steering. It is looking

like a good slide. 128.9 kilometres per hour is very

quick. The speed is very good indeed. They

might even get close to 137 kilometres an hour. It is a new

track record. 49.857. That is very good.

They have about 15 or 20 fans here all screaming and shouting and they

have got their way right to the front. It is a very good start by

the Canadians. These are only 22 years old, the youngest ever Winter

Olympians for Canadian luge in Vancouver when they were just 18 and

now they are a lot more experienced with a solid first slide. Yes, no

mistakes made there at all. It was an excellent performance. Very good

indeed. It is not often you see a new track record from the first

paring down. It shows you what good condition the track is in. Here we

go, the double Olympic champions. Andreas and Wolfgang Linger.

This is it. It could be the making of this competition. The double

Olympic champions are about to take to their ilk but they have not had

the best through year -- New Year is coming up to the Olympics. They are

not the favourites but they are big-time players and they need a

good start. They get going. These start is not too good.

Let us see what they get done the bottom in terms of speed. Andreas

just popped his head up and has a glance through the corner. Little

corrections and they have already gone into the lead. That is good.

That is very good. The Lingers are absolutely flying now. They are over

one tenth of the second in front. This is going to put down a really

good run. That is 85 miles an hour. It is a new track record for the

second time. 49.685. Absolutely superb. They will have questions to

ask about that run. They realise what they have done now but they

have got a lot to do before they can call the gold medal bears. I think

they will be thrilled by that. The only thing they could have been

better on is the start, slightly. They are looking at each other and I

am not sure they are absolutely thrilled with it.

It does not look bad to me, I think they can be pretty pleased with

that. It all comes down to the Germans really now. They could put

something big in. They do not look wildly thrilled with it. There is

Wendl and ten macro three, they will be coming down after these next two

men. Yuzhakov is the bigger of the two

men. We will see now how powerful the

Russians are in the start. They have had more slides on this site than

anybody else. There started a little bit disappointing for the Russians.

They just dropped off the end there. They were to latest ear off. This is

going to be interesting to see just how quick they are compared to the

leaders. They are behind. They are a lot slower than the

Lingers and the Canadians. My goodness, where did they get that

speed from! It was not enough to pull it back in. That was

phenomenal. That was so quick. But 50.068 puts them into third place. I

am not sure that final speed gun was right because that is bizarre. They

clocked a ludicrously fast speed at the end there. It must be right, you

must be right. It did not do them much good. They are obviously not

taking the best line around a corner. If you take a wavy line

around the corner you are taking a longer line and it can be faster

because you are not cutting the ice. We now have two Tobiass. Wendl and

Arlt. This is big for Germany. They have won the men of's singles and

the women's singles, they did not so much when it as walk it. Can they

now win the men's double luge. This is a big moment for Germany.

They have only got two runs. So many things will be going through their

heads. They are massive favourites to win this.

They are going straight down the course. They look good at the

moment. They are in the lead at the moment.

They are quicker than the Lingers. This is a tremendous slide.

They are in the Leyden -- they are in the lead. That is a massive lead.

That is a monstrous lead. He is Tony Eggert and Sascha Benecken from

Germany. If anybody can beat Wendl and Arlt it is these two. They are

one of the only crews that have managed to beat Wendl and Arlt in

the last few seasons and they have done it more than anybody else. Here

we go. They are looking very powerful at the start. There is no

doubt about that. Look at that. That is tremendous. The track record

holders are ahead. Oh, they have gone behind already. There are just

a few hundredths of a second in it. You can see them pulling on the

upright is a little bit too much. They are a bit wavy. They are still

in second position. That was really high. It was

horrible, big slide. They have wiped away their chances of pressuring the

Lingers for the silver medal. They are in sixth place after that record

start. My goodness, you can see the reaction there from their

team-mates. Just about every single German has been picture perfect. You

knew at some point that one of them would have to crack, there is so

much pressure on the Germans. I actually thought it might be Wendl

and Arlt, the massive favourites but these two are the second favourites

for the contest but look at that stage driving off the end of corner

11 and they just did not pull it off early enough. If you do not steer

you will end up staying on the corner and flipping off the end of

it. They do not steer themselves down, these sleds.

The Sics brothers had to watch that. That could have unsettled them. I do

not think anything will unsettle these guys. They have steely nerves.

They had a horrible car accident a couple of years ago and shattered

hip but they have clawed their way up. They were silver medallist in

Vancouver. They are big-time players. They may not have won many

medals in between 2010 and now. Forget the start, they are behind

but what can they do on the ice? They are picture perfect and they

can get incredible top ten speeds. That is good and they are going

through one of five there pretty well. He is keeping his toes

touching forwards just like a ballet dancer. Perfect aerodynamics but

they need it to get back the deficit.

A touch on the wall there. They are down to fourth. They are still the

fastest crew we have seen so far down the bottom. They are. That is

0.507 behind the Germans. That could be significant. At the moment we

have Wendl and Arlt and the Lingers. Then there is the surprise

Canadian crew. This was a horrible place to take a touch. You do not

have gravity helping about, you can see there. He is working on the

front and pointing his right foot forwards and pulling a bit in on the

upright. Well done to them though they are

sitting in fourth position. The reason they are watching again is

because of Oberstolz and Gruber. The start is not good that is not

good at all. The lack of momentum, you could end up losing more.

They are holding their form beautifully now. Look at that, the

lead has been increased to four tenths of a second. If they can hang

on... They lost a little bit I'm surprised by the speed. That'll be a

bit disappointed, with that. We do not know mats about -- we do not

know much about this... They had to be the bridesmaid to the

Linger brothers. They have always sat in the shadow but believe you

me, on their day, they can be number one in the world. Good starters and

athletes. Let's see if they can get close to the Germans in the start.

His feet seem to be jiggling a bit. It is not too bad but not

particularly good. The speed is crucial here. It is similar to what

the Lingers were. They are in third place. That has

put the cat amongst the pigeons. Walker and Smith down to fourth.

11 hundredths of a second between the two Austrians.

It is an Austrian two, three at the moment.

Now the Russian pair. This is very exciting, Colin. Germany, Austria,

Austria, Canada, Latvia. And here go the Russian crew.

Alexander Denisyev will go for this. He is a big guy in front.

He really does engulf the man underneath. Who is about 20

kilograms smaller than him. The man on top does most of the

steering. That is a good speed. They are in sixth place, still in

touch but it could only be for a minor medal. Seven crews below 50

seconds. My, my goodness. That is tight. If you look at the spread

from third all the way down to Gruber and Oberstolz, you are

talking about 16 hundredths of a second. It will be a real dust up

for the bronze medal. Even the Silver, they are not that far

behind. JONATHAN EDWARDS: When it comes to

the luge, it really is Germany on top. The final run will be later on

in Clare Balding's programme. Carl Lewis won four consecutive gold

medals for long jump, but no winter Olympian American has ever won three

consecutive medals. Tonight, there is a chance here in the Adler Arena,

Shaun White couldn't do it in the halfpipe but Shani Davis could do it

and he has created history becoming been the first black athlete to ever

win the Winter Olympic gold. COMMENTATOR: The whole arena is

holding their breath. Shani Davis is the man of the moment.

The first African-American to win and Winter Olympics gold medal. The

champion from four years ago, the world record-holder, Shani Davis has

become the first man in Winter Olympic history to defend his

title. He is the champion over 1000 metres.

Shani Davis shortly but tell you first about these first. GB men

against Switzerland in the curling, their fourth match and at the moment

they have played three and won two. Eve Muirhead lost to Canada earlier

on 9-6. Another option on the red button, it is the women's halfpipe

qualification which was incredibly dramatic last night. With Sean White

and others losing out. Kelly Clark is a hot favourite tonight and also

watch out for Torah Bright, the defending champion and the final

later on this evening in Clare Balding's show. But now we will head

to the Adler in and join Hugh Porter for the men's 1000 metres.

COMMENTATOR: You join us in a pretty critical time, that is the

conclusion of the 15th pair in this competition, they have not disrupted

the overall standings and I can tell you that the German record-holder

sitting at the top of the leaderboard, Samuel Schwartz with a

new record of 1.08.09. He pushed Mark of the Netherlands down whose

time was recorded in the fourth pair and it stood for a long time. They

will be getting to the business end of this contest now and you look at

the slow motion technique of the last pair here and that is Mantia

and Yesin. Mantia coming across the line and it is the blade, the front

which breaks the beam and that stops the clock. Mantia of the first time

Olympian so he will be happy to have made these Olympic Games.

Representing the Netherlands, Stefan Grouse house and its opponent from

Germany, Nico Ihle. Groothuis is the national

record-holder and the Dutch are expecting something special for this

fellow. The fastest opening 200 we have had

is 16.56. So it'll be interesting to see how close these two skaters can

get to it. Groothuis as a nickname based on his

strength. Let's see if his strength will reflect in the early stages.

Let's get the split, Ihle, 0.18 inside the time.

The last 1000 metres, 500 metres, Groothuis is very good. The world

champion on the inner length. Ten three macro was fourth in Vancouver,

both are in touch with the leading time.

It is all about the strength and power and all the training hours.

Is this going to be the new leading time? Both ahead... Oh, yes!

Groothuis takes .5 off and goes into the lead and Ihle is second on

1.08.86. What a superb race by Groothuis. A

disappointing season so far, fell in the 500 metres and he has regained

his confidence, he is the old world champion from 2012 so can he put an

Olympic gold medal to his name? The chance to look at the technique at

the start here. We can see Groothuis really powering his way off the

start, holding the skaters extremely long, the starter, but he has got a

nice Dr position, he wears a lace around his waist to try to to the

left arm so it does not move too much. They stumble their from Ihle

from Germany and Groothuis looks across to the screen to realise that

he has taken the number one place on the scoreboard. We now move forward

to pair 17 and on the ice, Michel Mulder. He has got one medal in his

pocket from the 500 and member when he won that gold, he built his

compatriot by 1000th of a second. So the Dutch athlete on the right

looking to get a second gold medal. His opponent is Denny Morrison. In

his third Olympics. The Netherlands have won the gold on

two occasions on this, in 2002 and Canada have won gold back in 1984.

Mulder, classic start by Mulder, he is inside the leader's time. Winner

of the 500 metres two days ago as well, he is a sprinter and it is all

about that, can he maintain the speed on that last 400 metres?

Mulder is teeing himself up for a second tilt at the gold medal here.

His twin brother who is ten minutes older than him is actually assisting

with the commentary in the studio. I wonder what he is saying? Looking

for the finish now, here comes Mulder, Mulder and Morrison...

Morrison gets the better of him and they are second and third, great

skating by the Canadian in the concluding lap. Mulder, having to

settle for third. It was all about that last lap. Mulder is a sprinter,

he really tried to hold it together and I think he went a bit too fast.

If he saves a little bit for the last 400 metres, he shouldn't really

be disappointed and excitement for Denny Morrison of Canada here, the

last person to have won a Canadian skating medal was Boucher. While the

slow motion images are shown, I would like to float a general

speculation. Are we on the cusp of Olympic history? Because next on the

ice will be Shani Davis of the USA who won the gold in Torino. He

replicated that in Vancouver and now he will come to see whether he can

become the first man in Olympic history to win three gold medals in

three different Olympics. We will have to wait to see whether

he can achieve that. Shani Davis versus his great friend of the

Netherlands. In Shani Davis run delay -- won round one, two and

three. He had an opportunity to carry the

flag in the opening ceremony but he declined, saying he wanted to stay

totally focused. Offered to do it in the closing ceremony though.

He was picked for Salt Lake City in 2002. He is the holder of the world

record. What avis now. We're looking for the

split. Davies is right on it as they come through. He really is a man

with a mission. He has tucked in nicely behind Koen Verweij of the

Netherlands. Not giving it too much in the first lap of this 400 metres

track. There is a lot of work to do for Davies here, he is 0.37 shy of

the pace. He has what to deliver a 5-star performance here in the

concluding stages. I don't think he is going to do it. The Dutchman is

challenging strongly, but they are off the pace. He is not going to

achieve that third gold medal. Shani Davis has gone into seventh, and the

Dutchman Koen Verweij one place better in sixth. He gives 100%

commitment to everything he does, and that will be a big

disappointment for Shani Davis of the United States. And quite a

shock. We didn't expect that. He is not even on the podium at the

moment. You are right. The podium positions at the moment with two

more pairs to go, Stefan Groothuis leading, and Mulder who got the gold

in the 500 is currently third. We still have four very handy skaters

to come. But Shani Davis, difficult to work out his feelings from that,

but he will be massively disappointed. Pair number 19 will be

next, Brian Hansen versus Mo Tae Bum.

So what can he do here? And winner of the silver medal in the World

Championships on the ice here, and he got the silver medal for this

event in Vancouver. So he is quite capable of putting down a good time

in the contest. So we expect a quick start from Mo Tae Bum of South

Korea. He is well inside the time, but he

has to measure his effort. That is a good start. He needs to pace himself

well over this 1000 metre course. As he moves to the outer lane, Mo Tae

Bum already on the inside. He is falling back a little now, the

nearest is Mo Tae Bum. The Dutch must surely be thinking of another

gold medal, with only one more pair to go after this.

It is still Mo Tae Bum looking for the victory here, but he has been

overhauled in the closing stages by Brian Hansen. 1:09.21. The Dutch are

sitting in first and third place here, with Morrison of Canada

sitting between them in the silver medal position at the moment.

Disappointment for Mo Tae Bum and Brian Hansen. It was an amazing in a

lap from Brian Hansen of the USA. It is a slight advantage to have the

last in bend. And Stefan Groothuis is now guaranteed a medal.

The ring record has been taken away by Stefan Groothuis of the

Netherlands. Now, Denis Kuzin and Mirko Nenzi. Various Denis Kuzin

from Kazakhstan. And Mirko Nenzi who was born in Venice. Just being

introduced to the crowd, as well. Can Denis Kuzin deny Stefan

Groothuis of the Netherlands the metal? -- medal? Preparing for the

start now. And we are away. Only this pair can deny Stefan Groothuis

the medal. A very quick start indeed by Mirko Nenzi Italy. And any Skuse

in from Kazakhstan moving into the outer lane. He is the world

champion. -- Kuzin from Kazakhstan. Where are they in relation to the

target? They have slipped back. Stefan Groothuis is the man sitting

in the gold medal position, and he is surely not going to lose it. It

is the world champion Kuzin trying to find something in the closing

stages here, but it doesn't look as if he is going to do it. The

celebrations are already beginning here in the arena. Another gold

medal for the Netherlands, and this time Stefan Groothuis has taken it.

Morrison of Canada for the silver. Fantastic performance there by the

Dutch once again who take two of the three medals on offer. They got it

in 1998 and 2002. Terrific skating, and the Canadians, Canada won the

gold back in 1984. They have had to wait a long time for a prominent

position in this event, but it has happened here in Sochi. There is a

very disappointed man, the world champion, Denis Kuzin. We wouldn't

have predicted that result at all. Stefan Groothuis has had an awful

season, and to pick-up the Olympic gold now is really amazing. I think

there are probably 15 million people in Holland who wish this person to

have won the gold medal. Yes, a very popular victory indeed as he

celebrates. The second-place finisher, Denny Morrison of Canada.

And Michel Mulder gets the bronze, and got the bronze in the 500 by

that scant margin of a second. -- 1000th of a second. Stefan Groothuis

skated out of his skin. Let me just confirm the official results for

you. Fantastic, absorbing, but the big

story is the disappointment of Shani Davis, everyone was talking of the

possibility of him winning his third gold, but it just didn't happen.

JONATHAN EDWARDS: The Dutch are really owning that arena, aren't

they? Four out of five golds on offer. And the fans will come out to

a glorious evening, clear skies, the moon looking wonderful. The Bolshoi

dome behind me is looking splendid, lit up for the first time. I don't

know if you can see the ice cube arena over here, because it is

pretty dark. Steve Cram and Jackie Lockhart standing by to take us

through the curling. It is a big match, between Great

Britain and Switzerland. Switzerland should not be underestimated, the

European champions last December. They had a big win against Canada in

their second game, and they lost a narrow match to China. Today, Great

Britain's men didn't have a match, and this has started fairly much

without any drama. Great Britain with the hammer. Not too many

attempt to set things up so far. But all of the teams here, you shouldn't

underestimate. The Swiss win at the European Championships was a bit of

a surprise will stop the only just had enough points to get them

qualified in the top eight, so they didn't have to go to the extra

qualification competition. Nonetheless, they have already shown

that these Olympic Games that they are to be reckoned with. This is the

third end, and Michael Goodfellow is Britain's lead. We will keep an eye

on one or two other matches. The Canadians are playing the hosts

Russia on the sheet next to this one. And China, who have rather

surprised everyone by winning the first of their three matches, tied

with Norway and Sweden. That is less of a surprise that those teams have

won their first three matches. And Great Britain, two Wins and one

loss. If they can win today, they will

have won three, and that is a very good place to be.

David is hopefully going to make his stone come into play now. He will

hopefully hit half of the Redstone and get a roll across the house to

hiding behind the guard. They will have to be really hard on this,

sweep it across as far as they can. It lacked a bit of weight there, and

hasn't hidden behind the yellow stone. We have had some good

atmosphere with the Russian crowd, there is some noise in here. So,

Sandro Trolliet. The Swiss team are not full-time curlers, they all have

jobs. Accountants, Plummers. When you have that last stone

advantage, trying to set the end up with these early Stones. The reason

we have seen the first couple of ends blank, it is all about making

sure you maximise your duties, and if you haven't got the opportunity

to do that, it is normal to blank and end. That is better. I think

they may be just left that a little too late though. Should have been on

it ever so slightly earlier. That is a little unfortunate there, because

Scott Andrews laid that very well. He played that shot, but he chose a

different stone, so that indicates to me that they have got a couple of

stones that are swinging. They have to manage the stones as well as the

ice. Just hitting that pretty much on the

nose there. So Scott Andrews coming down again. Four stones in a rope,

pretty much down this same line. We really are hoping that one of these

players can get the heat that we are looking for, and that has gone too

far. Just to find there. We are either getting one or the other at

the moment. A former skip, he is the one who is

the accountant. It is an interesting thing, about

the balance in the team and I read a quote from him saying, "it is better

that Sven is the skip, he is more emotional than I am and the quieter

type". So far, so good for them. In fact away from these Olympic Games,

they have acquitted themselves so far and that is a good draw. That is

a lovely shot, though. Sitting TD high will stop you do not

want it to run too far behind BT line -- behind the keyline.

Greg Drummond, originally from Forfar, a lovely ice rink there. A

lot of junior curlers. There will be inspiration by what this youngster

has done. They will really have to sweep hard in this, that is eight

great bit of sweeping their from the boys. They want to take this right

out the back. Very good. In lovely stone. I think Greg has played very

well. He said to me when I met him the other day, he said he was

nervous and he almost looks nervous but I think he has played well in

all matches. Yes, without question, he is quiet but he is a fantastic

third player. And has been an asset. He originally skipped two

world finals with Tom Brewster as his skip, he played third to him. He

is now playing third to David Murdoch here. Just the difference

there, half an inch between those two stones. Greg's came down with

goog sweeping its lead by -- good sweeping. Despite the efforts of his

sweepers, that is the tiniest of necks. And that is the first big

mistake that we have seen so far in the match.

Dave is now having to decide where he wants to put his second stone

because the Swiss guy has nicked the red, we have pushed it a little bit

across and we can see more of the yellow. So it is really important to

where you place your second stone. The crowd cheering behind them, I

will give them their moment. Guess who just scored?

The guys have decided to draw, take it right back as far as they

possibly can, they would like this to be sitting in the back half of

the circles. Hopefully allowing no double takeout to be played by the

Swiss boys. Switzerland seem to be looking at

the sort of shot that they try to play, role in behind the yellow.

The Swiss boys like to come down here and hopefully roll a stone

across to there. Spain is a bricklayer by profession.

He should know something about putting stones in the right place.

-- Sven. They are having to hold this stone,

but he will not get the role he was hoping for. That should be a

relatively easy shot for Dave if you can see all of it to get a hit and

roll. He has the options of going either way here.

He has to be careful here. If he is trying to fit across the yellow. He

wants to make sure he is right in behind the yellow so he does not

show half of the stone and leave the chance of a double.

This would be a nice way to get things under way without the

dramatic start. They are getting caught out with

this turning down, it is pulling hard into the centre.

Let's see if Sven Michelle can take note of what happened there. He was

to sit the other side of bed and mind his own stone. The danger is if

they laid too much weight, of the stones run straight. It has been a

difficult set of conditions, very weight-dependent.

I think Russell Steve is the -- I think we will still see this

stone... It has taken them a little while to learn that bit of ice there

but he judged that pretty good. I thought they almost left that. I

thought the shot as he was tried to come in on the other side was to pop

in on the other side. Either way... David's last throw.

From the angle that we are sitting out here, I think he would probably

be able to see half of this stone. He would like to come down at

accountable weight, catch all of what he can see, push it out the

back. David Murdoch... His last stone of

this third end, a chance to take two here.

It is fine... Oh, no. It will be one, just. David Murdoch with the

chance for two, does not take it but Great Britain have an early lead

here. And it has been a quiet start to this match against Switzerland

but it is 1-0 after three. JONATHAN EDWARDS: If you want to

continue watching that curling match, David Murdoch and that team

against Switzerland, you can follow a on the bottom and indeed online on

one of our six HD streams. But we are heading to the Rosa Khutor

Extreme Park for live snowboard halfpipe. The women's semifinals,

round two with Ed Leigh and Tim Ward.

COMMENTATOR: One of the riders we saw in the qualifying rounds,

promising a really nice run but she just has not been able to link it

together. Not at all. A bit of a shame, really because she is good,

basically. She has got a couple of big tricks in there but this pipe in

decent condition today, they have managed to do more work on it

overnight since the men's yesterday and it is in very good condition.

She has been getting good height, and she just missed the grab and

that is not the way she wanted to start that. Able to keep her speed

through the pack, landing high at the transition which is exactly

where you want to be landing. She winds up for the trick and that is

the opposite and she let a trick go there. She had enough pipe left

there to have another blast. I think the judges will notice that. She is

on the bubble at the moment. 12 riders vying for six spots in the

finals. The biggest air we have seen in the semifinal so far. Sadly no

grab on it. So the judges will be marking that down. This front type

720, she controls the landing going back and takes off backwards. Misses

the grab on the 720. They are high ten two. She sat right on the

bubble. It will only take... If she can get something over a 71, that