Day 2 BBC Four: 13.00-16.00 Olympics

Welcome back to Rio, everyone, for the 2016 summer Olympic Games. We

got this party started yesterday. There had been some question marks

before the event as to whether the fans would turn up, but they came in

their droves and they cheered. That was a fantastic way to kick things

off on day one. I'm glad to say that we have got it all to do on day two,

14 more gold medals to be one today. We helped Great Britain would win

their first gold medal in the men's road race cycling but things did not

go as planned for Chris Froome, so it was over to Lizzie Armitstead in

the women's event. Preparation has not been ideal but she has been

cleared to race. She is here, and she will be going alongside

Copacabana hoping to pick up Britain was Mac first medal of the

competition. These guys are on their way to the handball arena. We open

the gates around 30 minutes ago. You can see the fans already making

their way in. I can see that big yellow ball in the sky again beaming

down on us. I think it is going to be another matter to day, and the

programme is going to be hot as well. This is what is coming up.

First in the Olympic alphabet we will be at the archery, with Korea

looking to add to their enviable tally in the team event. Table

tennis brought medals for the home nations at the Commonwealth Games

but can the British break the Chinese stranglehold in this event?

We will check into the home of volleyball, the Maracanazinho is

where France take on Italy. Approaching the knockout stages of

the women's rugby sevens, Great Britain had a positive first day.

Can they hit their stride on day two? And the world number one,

looking for a first ever Olympic gold medal, he goes in the C1 to

knowing. Here is how your afternoon of day two is looking. The archery

is first up. Then we will see Liam and Paul on the table tennis. We

have volleyball, rugby sevens and finishing this afternoon with the

canoe slalom. If you check in and see how our friends on BBC One are

getting on this afternoon, they are recapping a busy evening in a

swimming yesterday. We saw Hannah Miley of Britain coming so close to

what would have been the first gold medal, she came fourth in the IM.

And we will be going to the Lagoa Stadium to check in on the rowing.

It had been delayed because of the weather. We saw Botes capsizing

yesterday. Is he upside down or is that just a reflection? They are

playing tricks on me. The rowing is next on BBC One.

Witness the fitness of Adam Peaty. He was in perfect working order

yesterday breaking another world record in the 100 m breaststroke

heat. He will be going in the final tonight in the Aquatic Centre right

there, may be looking to add another world record and most importantly an

Olympic gold medal to his ever bulging trophy cabinet. I think we

are set for a 2:50am start for that with Adam Peaty. On day two on BBC

Four, we are kicking off with archery, and the team event. No

British involvement in this in the team event. It is happening at the

specially converted Sambodromo venue. If you take yourself back six

months to the day, this venue was the site of the Rio Mardi Gras

carnival. Have a look at the light and colour going on, thousands of

samba dancers strutting their stuff down the Sambodromo runway with lots

of flags and colourful costumes on show. It is all standard at this

annual festival. It feels slightly different for the duration of the

games down there. Celebrations are more controlled, back on Friday, the

South Korean world champion took the first world record of the real

Olympics with a perfect score of 700 in the ranking round. In archery the

ranking round happens in the individual and team event and it

exceeded the mark by one of 699, the set by his countrymen in London

2012. Korea are hot on this sport. They could only come away with the

team bronze four years ago. On the first day they worked their way into

the gold medal match against USA and, in the end, it was a Korean

walkover. Only three arrows missed during the whole match in the

perfect score ten as they ran out winners by six sets to melt. For

Team USA it was a team silver, just as it was in London but Korea left

this samba drone celebrating. As you can see from that demonstration lots

of control and precision. It is anything but just pointing and

shooting in this sport, as Darren Campbell found out recently. As the

Lord's Cricket ground posted the archery 2012, the pressure was on

Rio to find a spectacular venue. Step forward the Sambodromo. During

the Rio carnival 90,000 people fully stands for half a mile. Having just

walked into the arena the first thing that strikes you is the heat.

It is so, so hot. The target to the shooting line is 70 metres away and

as you stand here, you can feel the sun on your back. In this arena, the

cloud -- the crowd feel so close you feel like you can touch them and

feel every single breath. You can see Christ the Redeemer over there.

Is it your time? You have 20 seconds to release your bow, and failure to

release the bow will result in a penalty. You can just see the

Winsock, slightly picking up, you cannot wait for it to be still, a

red card is what you will receive. It is not like football, you will

not be sent off, but what you will lose by receiving a red card is your

highest score from that set. You have to hit the target within one

second at 140 mph. From the shooting line I couldn't even see the medal

target, but now I am this close, it is about the size of a DVD. And the

best archers will actually hit this little cross. Ridiculous. It would

be wrong to come to such a fantastic venue without having a go myself. I

need a little bit of coaching and help from my main man, Chris. The

main guy. You were involved in London 2012 and you will be involved

in Tokyo. What is this place like? It is amazing. It has never been

used for sport before, this is its first timers sporting venue. There

have been some challenges there. It has fantastic history. It is in the

culture of Brazilians with the carnival and they are trying to

bring that same carnival right here. When you draw back the bow, keeping

this arm still, looking straight down, and creating no movement so

you can see down the target, it is about Bordill. It is about hitting

it when you can, it is not so much depending on muscles but on

controlling your breathing and mental ability and to be able to hit

that tend when you need to forget that gold medal. So it is about

breathing and mind control. Don't fight it but use it. Straighten the

arrow, point to the target, bring this to your right eye. In the

middle, and relax. You have got and nine. That is not bad! Darren

Campbell, good at everything, the Olympians just make you angry? Time

ran out for Darren to qualify for Rio 2016, but this is how the

women's team event is going right now. We are looking for four more

teams from the four remaining fixtures there. The quarterfinals

continue and we will see the gold medal match after nine o'clock.

Let's get ourselves over to the Maracana right now, because the

woman's team quarter final eliminator is underway. We will

watch Mexico taking on Georgia. Mexico are in the second set a

leading 1-0. And Charlie can take us through this one.

That was nine. Qualified the highest of the Georgians in the ranking

round, Esebua. A maximum of 720 in the ranking round. The teams are

ranked by the total of the archers combined. Narimanidze open bid seven

in the first set. 22 years of age, and Valencia

continues on her way. She is 21. This is Bayardo. Very consistent

from the Mexican team. Valencia are all tens, Bayardo all nines. What

can she start with the? Nine. -- with here. We are at the midpoint of

the second set. Identical arrows for Narimanidze,

seven and nine. Esebua, nine. So, a total score of 52, improvement

on their first set. Will it be enough? Valencia, all things so far.

She continues with her form. This is excellent shooting from Valencia,

the 21-year-old. She qualified eighth in the ranking round. No

smiles for her. Bayardo. Ten. The Mexican team are shooting really

well here. Just five required for the second

set. Ten, ten, ten, full house for Mexico. They take the second set,

58-52. A first ten for Roman and Mexico are in fine form. Just one

arrow in 12 outside of the gold. That was from Roman. Six tens from

12 arrows for Mexico. Just the one for Georgia with their 12 arrows. A

long road back now. For Georgia. Super slow motion, that was the

eighth. From the first set. Perfect concentration. Look at that grouping

from the Mexican team. Bavaria getting a high-5 from Valencia.

Fantastic view of the venue. Confirmation, Mexico 4-0 up.

Third set them off this first women's team archery event. Georgia

are two sets down. They need to win this set. Nothing else will do. Draw

and they will be out of the competition. Lobzhenidze, starting

with an eight. They stepped to the shooting line, needing golds. Nine.

Better, from Esebua. The target, 122 centimetres, 70 metres away. The

size of a DVD when you are standing up to it. From 70 metres, a very

small target. Extend your arm, put up your phone, and that will cover

the entire target. That's how far away it is, how skilful these

athletes are. 26, Georgia, from the first three arrows. Valencia. She

has short perfectly. And that is a ten. Just. She continues her magic

form. No wonder she was smiling. Looking very relaxed up on the

shooting line. Bayardo. Ten. The Mexican three will not want this to

end. Forts herself a little smile. -- affords herself. Nine. Roman.

Georgia, who were fifth at the last World Championships. Really

struggling here. That is better. Lobzhenidze, her second ten of the

match, and Georgia's second ten of the match.

That is much better. Esebua, with a ten. The clock ticking down on

Narimanidze. She gets it away and it is a nine. That is a much better

set. It puts the target up to 55. 55 would be good enough for Mexico to

progress. If Valencia continues her form... Well, she drops off. And

eight, first outside the gold for Valencia. It means they can only

dropped one more point with the next two arrows. Bayardo. Ten. So Roman

needs to find the gold to put Mexico through. Nine will halve the set and

make it 5-1. Ten will give them a 6-0 victory. Ten. Enough to give

Mexico the two points and a place in the next round against Chinese

Taipei. It was a comfortable victory in the end. Really based on the

shooting of Valencia. Five tends from six arrows. It just relieved

the pressure on her team-mates. Excellent, from Mexico. They win by

six set points to nil. They will be full of confidence going into their

quarterfinal in the second session. We are just waiting for the judges

to confirm the scores. The line judge is waving to both teams

meaning the score has been confirmed, Mexico go 36-0. -- go

through 60. Congratulations to Mexico who go

through with a pretty convincing win over Georgia. Before we watch Japan

versus Ukraine in the next elimination for the quarterfinals,

some time to show you the eventing from yesterday. Taking part for

Great Britain, William Fox-Pitt, competing in his fifth Olympics, and

really just happy to be here after suffering a horrendous fall in a

cross country event at the end of last year. He was put into an

induced coma, came back, recovered, and just months later is

unbelievably competing, here at Rio. He made a very good start yesterday,

let's look and see how he got on in the very first event of the three

event programme. He got started in the dressage.

William Fox-Pitt riding is number two with Christopher Stone's Chilly

Morning. It looked like a straight entry and

a nice square hole. -- halt. The judges loved eight across-the-board

-- loved it. For Britain to really be in here and

they need something in the 30s from William. Britain have not won an

Olympic gold since 1972 in Munich. Came close with silver in London.

The team manager, since 1999, it has always been history to win an

Olympic gold. This will be his last chance when he steps down after this

event. An extended trot. Little bit flat

toward the end. Still getting sevens.

Certain, William, with all his knowledge and experience, and indeed

the knowledge and experience of Chilly Morning, a great combination

out there. Lovely big steps in the walk.

Remember the lead up, the only one in the 30s at the moment, Santano,

at this stage, doing 75%. William, doing 74%. Getting very good marks

for the counter. His counter is one of the best we have seen all day, I

think. Still getting lots of sevens and eights. A mixed reaction to the

flying change, five, six .5, seven. The points were coming back that

they are very pleased with the dressage test, expected a good

result and dressage, but cross-country is bigger than

expected, Australia expecting a little bit of a wild card situation

from Santano. He is bound to say that. He is on a young horse. It

will be to fool the opposition into thinking they can overcome his lead.

But I think in his hands he does not have a problem. That was a much

better second change from William. Getting some eights. 8.5. It is

bringing up the percentage with every movement now. Another very

expressive change. Actually, the average has gone above, currently,

that of Christopher Byrne. Well, this could be interesting. The last

set of marks could be absolutely crucial. There is the back-up team

for William, my word, they have done a great job to get the horse and

rider hurt to the start line. And the final salute. Eight, eight,

eight. William and Chilly Morning just could not come up with the

goods. A lot of very good work from William and Chilly Morning but I

just felt he picked up the standard at the end in the counter work. It

got better and better. The marks show that. The last set of marks we

are waiting for will be key. To whether he goes ahead of Christopher

Burton, or, I suggest, just in behind. 40 is just what Britain

would want at this stage of the competition. You can see the change,

lovely expression, right off the ground, never altering rhythm or

balance. And a relieved William. Anxious moments, William, quite

unperturbed, saying good luck to the next competitor. As the big

scoreboard goes quiet. 36.9. He goes into the lead, the best news yet for

Britain! That really does put them in the game, with two more riders to

come in the dressage phase tomorrow. What an incredible way to start your

campaign, could it have gone any better? It was a great start. Chilly

Morning, such a special horse, I have had him in many years, he is my

mate. He really went in there and was confident and relaxed and gave

that impression. We have worked so hard, Tracy Robinson, my trainer,

she really helped me through my injury, to get me back on track and

thinking straight, she has been brilliant. That was down to her. I

have had an interesting few months. Thank you so much, UK sport and the

lottery, we have had support, funding, support physically and

mentally, to get me back. I'm just lucky to be here. I know that you

said you'd never doubted you would be ready in time. You always wanted

to be back for Rio, but did it feel special riding into the arena today?

Very special. I have done five Olympics. They have all been

useless, so it would be great if this went well. And he is 16, it is

the end of his career, after the journey we have had, it was a big

moment. But I was not thinking about that when I was in there. I was on

the job. I have been so lucky to have all that support. Yes, at times

you thought, it is coming around quite fast. Last November I thought,

August is ages away. Then suddenly it was round the corner. So I have

just got back, just sharpened up, my eyesight has come back, I feel good.

You have conquered the bigger cross-country courses than the one

we have got here, but this is quite tough for an Olympic course. It is,

it would be the toughest Olympic course I have ever ridden. He has

answered questions, we thought he would, I wanted to say that we hoped

he would, but he has been amazing. We got some questions and I would

say it was quite serious. I'm glad that I am on such an old expert, and

I hope that I don't let him down. What an incredible demonstration

from the former world number one, who is the number one after day one.

There is more precise the calm before the cross-country and

dressage, but William Fox-Pitt says he's to be here. No doubt, the

competitor in him will be going for the top honours as the competition

continues. We are going to head back to the archery. Earlier, we saw

Mexico make their way to the quarterfinals with a 3-0 win over

Georgia. Next up, Japan against Ukraine. Ukraine with a finalist in

the test event in Rio early on in the year. We will see how these two

get on. The commentary from Charlie Broome.

Marchenko opens with a nine. Pavlova.

The score of 26 in the midpoint of this first set. Japan set for their

first three arrows. Ten! Great start for Karen Acca. -- Kawanaka. Yuki

Hayashi, within eight. -- with an eight. Saori Nagamine. Seven. Japan

behind by one after the first three arrows of this first set. Veronika

Marchenko. Ukraine beat Georgia in the European

gold medal match in May. 94 Pavlova. -- nine, four Pavlova.

Ten. Almost right on the spine and in the circle, ten for Lidiia

Sichenikova. Kawanaka, under pressure, delivers

her second ten of the match. Japan can only afford to drop one

point in these last few arrows. They need two tends to win it. Point

drop, so, then required for Nagamine. She got seven with her

first arrow. -- ten required. You can see the clock ticking down.

Nine. Not enough. And so Japan lose the opening set by a solitary point,

54-53. Ukraine, not a bad start. A couple of lines. -- nines.

Seven from Nagamine in her first rotation. Plenty of support for

Japan. They are behind on the scoreboard. They will go first in

this second set. Set two. The woman's team archery

event, a matchup between Japan and Ukraine, Ukraine taking the first

set, 54-53. Kawanaka with an nine. Hayashi.

Now, what can Nagamine find with her first arrow? Seven and nine in the

first set. Nine, 27. A little wide from Pavlova. So, a

bit of pressure on Lidiia Sichenikova.

Another nine, but they are down by one point. 27-26 after the first

rotation. Ten. The first ten of the second

set, the first ten of the match for Hayashi.

Quick release, and a nine, 55 the target for Ukraine. The best they

can get is 56. They need perfection if they want to win the set. And now

they need perfection to tie the set. Just too high so Japan will level

things up in this second set. Let's see what -- no matter what Lidiia

Sichenikova can score here. She finds the ten. It is not enough. But

the second consecutive set Ukraine score 54, but this time Japan score

55 and it is two set points apiece, the Olympic bronze medallists from

four years ago. The second match of the women's team

archery event is evenly poised, Japan and Ukraine with two set

points apiece. The scores tied, two set points

each, Ukraine shoot first, this first set on target two. The

countdown proper is on, there is the food. That allows Marchenko to step

forward from the waiting line to the shooting line. Nine. We are going to

have four sets in this match, the first of five. The set points in the

two columns of numbers in the top left of the screen on the left.

Eight, four Pavlova. Now, Sachin kova. -- Lidiia Sichenikova. Just

outside the ten ring. She is having a look at the screen, there is a TV

screen just in front of the shooting line that the athletes can look at,

just seeing if that arrow had hit the ten line, but I think it

outside. Penn, good start from Kawanaka. If the judges are not

sure, they will score that Sichenikova arrow with a start, to

see if it is touching the ten line. -- with a star. Japan, little

off-colour in the first set, but they have certainly found their

rhythm now. That is an eight. The pressure on Ukraine here. Nine

from Marchenko. Eight again from Pavlova. This is

just allowing... 22 seconds, plenty of time for Sichenikova. She finds a

nine and set a target of 52. That should be well within the capability

of the Japanese trio. Nine. A change of order, Hayashi

shooting first. This is Nagamine, so they have just shuffled around,

Japan. Nine, four Nagamine, and Kawanaka will bring up the Rio,

requiring eight or more for the set. It is mine. Japan lead by 4-2 having

lost the opening set. They have come back.

Ukraine will shoot first once again. Marchenko, who has hit six lines

from six are. -- six nines from six arrows. A seven. Not

what she wanted. But the pressure on her team-mates. Nine, a whisker away

from a ten. The seven could be the undoing. Sichenikova. The only

Ukrainian to score a tent in the match so far. That is mine. -- nine.

The change continues. So it is Hayashi to lead off. Nine, four

Hayashi. A long hold from Nagamine, she finds

a nine. Kawanaka. Nine. The lead is two. You feel that

Ukraine need 30 to give themselves a chance of staying in the match. At

least apply the pressure to your opponents. Nine.

Sichenikova. Final arrow at the end. Ten. It sets a target of 53. 26 will

be enough for Japan. Nagamine. Ten. That really allows

Kawanaka some breathing space. Seven or more required. Seven will see

them go through, 5-3. Eight or more... Nine. It sees them go

through by 6-2. The bronze medallist from four years ago had a bit of a

scare in the first set but once they settled into it they were

unstoppable. Crane are out. Japan are into the quarterfinals. They

will face Korea. Disappointment, but he will

hope they will be back for the individual competition, starting on

day three. Just to many loose arrows. They were playing catch up

all the way. They lost the set by two. It just goes to show you, if

Marchenko hit a nine, it would still not have been enough. They needed

more tense, could not get it, and are out of the competition.

Confirmation that Japan go through, 6-2.

Japan go through to the quarterfinals. We will be back for

the second session here on day two here in Rio.

Japan make their way into the quarterfinals. We saw Mexico as

well, regressing into the last eight. We will keep you abreast of

the other quarterfinal eliminators later in the programme.

The finals will be decided tonight and it is hard to see past the

Korean team winning that one. They came away with both team and

individual events four years ago. While we break, I wanted to show you

his Olympic rings. Everybody wants to have their photograph taken with

the five famous rings. Do you mind if I just pop into your shot, guys,

don't worry, we are just live on television back in the UK. I think

this is what you call a photo bomb. Do you mind if we just show the guys

back home in the UK what has happened here? Yes. We have got a

bit of a problem. It was not you guys. It definitely was not them.

But whatever you do, don't tell the games organisers. There is some

reconstruction to do. Did you ever play Meccano when younger? That

could come in handy. Now we will focus on table tennis, and Korea are

not bad here either, but really it is China have mastered the craft. 15

of 16 available gold medals since Sydney in 2000. They have pretty

much taken ownership of the sport. But for the novices, here's how the

game plays. Table tennis made its Olympic debut

in 1988. It has seen China dominate the competition. Players normally

have smooth rubber on one side of the racket to provide spin, and a

rougher surface on the other to provide speed. Players like spin

during a short because it alters the trajectory and limits the opponent's

options for a return. In singles they serve only needs to reach the

other side, but in doubles it must cross from the right-hand court of

the server to the right-hand court of the receiver. During a rally the

ball must be allowed to bounce once before returning it, but it's a fast

and furious sport, with players at the highest level having great

reflexes, the ball is struck around three times per second. To win a

game of singles a player must reach 11 points, but with a two point

lead. If not, they continues until this is achieved. Singles and

doubles matches are the best of five games. The format of both individual

and team events is elimination. So if a person or a team loses a match

they take no further part in that competition. So that is how you play

table tennis. We will hopefully see Liam Pitchford and Paul Drinkhall

later on, show you how they get on in their second match. They are

still struggling with the Olympic rings. Does anybody have any glue?

Bags of it. We will need some here at the Olympic Park. A few days ago

I caught up with the men's table tennis team, also including some

walker as well as Paul and Liam. They were involved in an ice bath

recovery, they invited me in, I politely declined. But there was

plenty else to see around the Olympic village.

This is the athletes village for 10,000 athletes from over 200

countries. This is their first step to winning Olympic gold. Not least

our friends at Team GB towers. Rugby sevens girls are in the house.

They seem in good spirits. And why not? They have union jack

deckchairs. Mark, I love what you have done with the place. The great

thing is you pretty much get a bare space and it is your allotment to do

what you like with. Who let in Mark? Give us a wave. Have you not got

work to do? The spirits seem really good. Everybody is excited and

really pleased to be here. Welcome, how are you finding it? We are

excited and it is coming around really quick. Looking forward to it.

What is great about the village is if you ever get lost, just follow

the flags. Check it out. Over here we have the Scandinavian quarter.

Including Denmark, Finland, Sweden, very welcoming as we walked past.

Here, Portugal download, up top, Slovenia, feeling the love. That is

what it is all about. Bring on the great.

You will be hoping this is the sport you will see a lot of the Team GB

contingent. All of the sport are encouraged to use this.

Richard, had to ask about these guys, this is your team.

Your Olympics 2016 team, it is a tight group that

It is great, we train together and compete together.

We have been doing it for years and this is our sixth trip out

here now as an Olympic squad so we have bonded very well

and so far we haven't had any major issues.

It has just been changed today so it is nice and clean.

If it is anything like London, you will see a lot of athletes

Team GB will be taking their bed sheets home with them,

There you have it, the village in all its glory and by the sound

of it, according to the athletes, Team GB is definitely ready for Rio.

They are going for 18 snap in front of the Olympic rings. I am photo

bombing them. A great spot. Everybody wants their picture with

the Olympic rings and there is no shortage of fans doing exactly that.

And the Dennis were being that the life of Paul Drinkhall. He got his

Olympic qualification campaign underway in the second round. He

went up against another veteran, 13 years his senior, and even though he

went down by one game early in that round, he came back to win by 4-1.

So Paul Drinkhall progressing into the next round. And that next round

will take place later on tonight. 5:30pm UK time. Paul Drinkhall

taking to the table again, but not before we see Britain's other

singles specialist Liam Pitchford. Both of them qualify for Great

Britain in the men's team event last time out. Neither had qualified for

singles event before Rio 2016. We can hear from Liam Right now. After

London I thought I wanted to qualify down there, London was an amazing

experience for me. My first Olympics. We got the host nation

place but this time I like to the right to be there. I have become

more mature in my game. More solid. I have had some incredible results

since London. I think that has shown on the world stage as well. We won

the World Championship bronze medals. Nobody even expected that,

even us, so has been incredible. Individually, Commonwealth Games,

picking up the medal must have been a significant step forward for you.

Yes, first Commonwealth Games singles medal for an England player.

It was an amazing feeling. I wanted that at the start, I said to myself,

I want a singles medal. It was a long journey. I lost my semifinal

place, but it was an amazing feeling, especially in Glasgow with

the home support in. Just looking forward to getting out there and

hopefully proving that I belong there. Time to see if he belongs on

the Olympic stage. Into the Riocentro pavilions, in Barra. We

are in Riocentro Pavilion three. So this campaign begins today. We will

watch it in the company of Simon Reid and Paul hand.

On table four we await Liam Pitchford of Great Britain, the

number 31 seed, with his opponent from Uzbekistan, who has created a

just, defeating his opponent on the Czech Republic yesterday. He was

taken to the cleaners, 4-2, beaten by Konjaev. He's hoping to

produce another upset against Liam Pitchford, the number 31 seed for

Great Britain. Obviously, Liam Pitchford goes in as a hot

favourite. The statistics in his favour. He must be wary of this man.

He is a talented player, the Uzbek. Strange things happen at the

Olympics. It is such a crackling atmosphere. You often see these

upsets. It is an interesting one, that is for sure. Of course, this is

Liam's first match here. He got up by in the opening round. He will be

anxious to get cracking. There is a big height disparity between the two

athletes. It is unusual to have a man of that height in the

top-flight. And he is in the top flight. He is ranked 48. The British

number one hoping to carry on. Drinkhall had a fine victory last

night over the Serbian, Aleksandar Karakasevic. And

no doubt, having a match under his belt, a successful and uplifting

one, that will give him a big bonus against Pitchford. And because it is

Liam's first match he will be keen to get a decent start but his

opponent has been exposed to these conditions. You cannot replicate

this crackling environment in practice. It will be interesting to

see it Liam can get a good start against this man, 109 spots below

him on the ranking list. He was born in Chesterfield. He plays Bundesliga

table tennis, the most lucrative table tennis in Europe. Konjaev was

third, got to the third round in the Asian championships in Bangkok last

year. He has got to the second round in Busan previously. He has never

played Pitchford. It will be interesting to see how they match

up. You would imagine that he will be swinging with abandon, just

excited to be out there. He has nothing to lose, so he will be out

there to enjoy himself, you would imagine. The umpire Corinne Stoffel.

Liam, of course, made history in the Commonwealth Games 2014, bronze

medallist, the first English player to ever do so. He has got a gorgeous

backhand, Pitchford, he keeps his elbow vertical for a range of motion

and acceleration. This man will be awkward, no doubt about it, the

left-hander. He is quick and sprightly. Fast feet. It is a huge,

cavernous area, 10,000 seater, this Riocentro three. And of course it is

a huge day table tennis, started at nine o'clock this morning and will

go on until 9pm. Still, many of the seats have to be filled, but we got

a terrific atmosphere last night. One of the Brazilian players had to

ask the crowd to be quite. Here we go, Pitchford to begin. -- to be

quiet. There is the acceleration you were

alluding to. Konjaev in touch with his short game already, keeping the

ball very tight to the net. CHEERING

Wonderful return, and didn't he make room? Is, he has a very lithe frame,

Liam. Look at the really he gets that over there, wonderfully off for

an angle. There are bound to be nerves early on in the first match

at the Olympics. He lost in the first round at London.

The backhand flick working well. Yes, that is the thunderous pace we

have become familiar with from Liam Pitchford. Great acceleration on

that side. Thoroughly optimistic start from

Pitchford. The noise you're hearing is from an adjoining table where one

of the top Brazilian players, Calvorano, is playing. Just three

minutes into that one, this is the ten o'clock scheduled matches. Andy

Rose the menacing presence of Ma Long, the world number one, just

above in the draw, if you will. -- and there is the menacing presence.

The bat really firing for Pitchford. Very quick to get onto that serve. A

good, fast, long serve there. Got the pop-up that he wanted.

Fantastic defence from Pitchford and again real frustration from the

Uzbek. That was superb from Pitchford, just asking that extra

question. And there is the first game safely under his belt, and

wasn't he impressive? Dropped the first couple of points then just one

more in the game, the game lasting just four minutes, and Pitchford

playing a high standard of table tennis. Konjaev unable to get a

toehold into the game. Liam did very well from the off. Slight axed

coming into it, because this is his first match, but that is a sparkling

start for the Briton. Effective in his own serve and also with return,

so that will help him settle. Konjaev winning just one point on

his serve. Perfectly read via Pitchford. Pitchford, part of the

team that won the bronze medal in the World Championships alongside

Paul Drinkhall and Sam Walker. This is a heady time for table tennis in

the UK. Beginning game number two. You would imagine this fellow has to

get some momentum and get a good start to the second game.

Again, the trusty backhand for Liam, coming to the fore. You get these

pockets of brilliance in table tennis. But, at the moment, this man

is being quite contained by Liam Pitchford. And the danger is he is

just trying to push too hard and could make some mistakes.

This is a game of angles, net balls and awed sort of deflections, and it

can just turn in a heartbeat. -- odd deflections. We saw that in the game

last night with Paul Drinkhall. The Serbian was getting just some

unbelievable runs, but they did not last. I recall them being 9-2 down

in the opening game and turning it around, incredibly.

And Liam has so many ways to hurt his opponent, he can change the play

and vary the attack lines. Does not give the rhythm to Kenjaev. This is

much better from the who's -- from the Uzbek. That is two consecutive

points from him. Liam, often he has big swings and that backhand and

sometimes the timing goes awry. Really doing a lot better on his

serve, let's see if he continues to do so, Kenjaev.

The serve giving him the chance, and a 3-point lead now for Kenjaev. A

fast and long serve causing havoc, and he is on a bit of a run now.

There has been such a boisterous atmosphere in the arena throughout

the last couple of days. It must be difficult to keep concentration. His

opponent yesterday was asking the umpires to do something about it,

but it is the same for everyone. That is how it can suddenly turn.

Just spilling wide off the edge of the table, then suddenly it gets

tighter. Pitchford, with no room for manoeuvre.

Two gain points for Kenjaev -- game points.

Terrific shot play from Pitchford. Unable to attack with that vicious

forehand, Kenjaev. Super play from Pitchford. Two game

points saved. He did well to defuse this attack from the Uzbek, who was

really throwing it all at him. Tying him up brilliantly. After

saving two game points he has one of his own, to take a two game lead.

Top class. What a finish to the game from Pitchford. Four success of

points. He now has a cushion. Delighted with this. He wriggled out

of jail. Jamming up the Uzbek into his body on many occasions, he is

normally quite quick, but wonderful flicks into the body, and the Uzbek

not able to release the racquet had to deal with that. It has taken a

bit of the air out of Kenjaev who seems to have his number -- seemed.

Tying him up. The statistics... And Kenjaev having problems with the

Pitchford serve. The first to reach four games. Could easily have been

1-1, but not to be. Pitchford is in the lead and just two games away

from a verse in the round of 16. -- berth. Just that little bit more

tidy in defence at the moment Pitchford. That seems to be the

standout feature of the match. Mistake on the backhand. Few and far

between. He knows he does not want to back away from the table too much

and give Kenjaev to play with. It is all about rushing your opponent.

Wonderful forehand return. Just loaded with spin.

Lofted backhand from the Uzbek. But it is Pitchford who is controlling

the match at the moment, controlling the tempo.

Again, that same shot we saw earlier on, making room. Gets that big frame

out of the way very effectively. He is super agile. Just freed up the

room to release the racquet tip. Just thinking how well the green

flooring works. We are normally familiar with blue and red

environments but the players seem to like this, easy to see the ball.

Really good retaliation from Kenjaev, because that looked like a

fine shot from Pitchford. Such a deceptive forehand return.

The Uzbek is doing really well to stay with Liam, who has the cushion

of the lead. Can be a little bit more expensive and imaginative in

the way that he plays. Turning his head away as if refusing to be part

of that shot. That will go down as an unforced error. He was

disappointed after setting it up so beautifully. It is very

uncharacteristic, setting up with a backhand return and not able to take

advantage. It is his favoured backhand. Pitchford has just dropped

off the plateau of form at the moment. He came back from a deficit

in the second game, winning four success of points. Still a little

bit to do in game number three. -- successive.

Giving himself a bit of a talking to. And now one level pegging.

Ratcheting up the power, Pitchford. He has good effect, Kenjaev, with a

fast, long serve. Pitchford vigilant, ever alert.

It was set up for him. Again, the mistake in the backhand. Simple

return. You have to admire the way that

Kenjaev is contesting this. 190 sport below Pitchford in the world

rankings but he is acquitting himself very, very well out here.

Just going astray now. He was in exactly this situation in the second

game. Pitchford winning it. Two game points.

That is very well played from Kenjaev, two Jamestown, the

frustration of having a lead in the second game losing it, then he comes

back effectively in game number three -- two games down. He will be

delighted, as is his coach as well. Tricky, for Kenjaev, he is the first

player from Uzbekistan to compete in the Olympics, he does not have much

competition at home. Made his international debut aged 14 in 2006.

So a tournament like this is an altogether different mindset. He has

to do a lot of travelling just to get decent practice and the

matchplay, you would imagine. He is doing very well here, to reduce the

deficit. It is always interesting how a

player can deal, the night before, with a heady win, over his opponent

from the Czech Republic. But he has settled in very well here. He is

really into this contest now. See how low he got to that. Strong,

used his legs. He has got the bit in his teeth at the moment. This will

be tricky for Pitchford to counter. Things are looking a little bit more

serious. Well played. He has had good effect

with the off forehand, Pitchford. Loaded with spin.

Good play from Liam, using every inch of the table, spreading the

play very well. What a dynamic shot. That was

vicious. Snapped right into the body of Pitchford. Evasive action

required. That time, super defence from

Kenjaev, who is playing better and better now.

He really is fully dialled in. He is so alert. Not missing any

opportunities to attack. Very frugal in error. That was a terrific length

return from Pitchford, loaded with spin, but it was just abused by the

Uzbek. Such a whipping action. Thing is getting more and more

problematic. We saw the result yesterday, it probably would have

surprised him, he would have expected to play someone else.

Instead of this guy from Uzbekistan, now causing him immense problems.

Really clever work, taking in the wrong way a couple of times with the

backhand. Starting to unload a lot of racket head speed here, Liam

Pitchford. You sense that this is a critical game, a critical part of

the match right here. Pitchford, damping the fire that is

burning in this guide. Terrific, he is delighted with that. Three points

away from what would be a very commanding position for Pitchford.

Well played. Still not out of this. Three points away but it may seem a

lot further at the moment. Stacking them up on that backhand

side. He had acceleration and angle and a lot of racket head speed.

Three points, 43-1. Yes. That was super, to control that when Kenjaev

was throwing so much at them, that was a major achievement for

Pitchford. He is now a game away from the third round. Having lost

that third game, Liam did well to dampen the fire, and hopefully, that

now will contain the Uzbek. It is a must win game for him now, if he is

to keep this match afloat. Apart from the first game it has all been

really tight. And you expect that Kenjaev will be as well. Liam

Pitchford has done well to keep changing the attack line, showing a

different picture the whole time, because when Kenjaev gets rid, he is

ever dangerous. Pitchford's serve causing Kenjaev all sorts of

problems in that game. They are motoring along and racing through

these games quickly, averaging 5- minute games. I wonder if there will

be any fatigue from yesterday's endeavours for the man in blue? Or

if there is anything left in the tank?

Liam got away with murder there. He popped that up a little bit too

high, and Kenjaev able to play it. Very healthy start to this sixth

game. 3-0. Looks like Kenjaev has called a time-out. Might have been

him, might have been his coach. A good idea. All that they are trying

to do is pierce the momentum bubble that Liam has built. He has

emphatically. That is what this is all about. Can the Uzbek win the

first point after this 60 seconds of stalling, if you will? Years up

against it now, and he knows it. -- he is up against it. There was real

fire burning in his eyes in that third game. He did look a little

disconsolate when he had a run of points against him. Can you dig

himself out of this whole? -- can he.

Phenomenal acceleration of the backhand. It is a pattern of play we

have become quite used to with Liam Pitchford.

He is unusually tall for an elite table tennis player, Liam Pitchford.

It is not unknown but it is unusual. He stays so low to the table, he

keeps the angle in the Nice and is able to accelerate out of that, I'm

calling the shoulders against the hips and using some ground reaction

force. -- uncoiling the shoulders. It is all going away in a rush for

Kenjaev. One last effort, and it is going to

be an enormous ask to come back from this. Liam doing very well to keep

his foot on the throttle and show his frontrunning skills.

CHEERING Not taking anything for granted

here. Getting a little ahead of himself.

Mistakes starting to come. Still four points vacation. He has a

dangerous presence in this one, as in the? He has certainly shown a lot

of spirit -- four points of a cushioned.

Is that going to be the one that breaks the camel's back? Supercool

and rewarded with six match points. Very impressive. A dangerous

opponent, Kenjaev with a win already under his belt and it looked any

third game particularly that he was going to cause a real problem for

Liam Pitchford, but the man from Chesterfield holding firm and

winning with some comfort, 4-1. It was a calm and should match from

Liam Pitchford, showing lots of character, because his opponent was

throwing the kitchen sink at him and was dangerous throughout, Kenjaev,

so credit to him for a good performance, but Liam Pitchford

looked very sure, mixing his attacks with great effect. Confirmation of

the result. He came through very emphatically against a very spirited

opponent. Just 23 minutes and Pitchford

through to the third round for the first time in the Olympics, and he

will play the number nine seed from Korea, that is at eight o'clock

local time in Korea. That is terrific for him. He's the number 31

seed, the number one, and he came through against an opponent who

looked a very lively customer. And because that was his first match in

this arena, that was really well played from Liam Pitchford. An

impressive performance throughout, really. Every facet of his game

firing. The backhand, if you errors, but he will be delighted to come

through that match. -- a few errors. He must have thought that he was

going to play against Jancarik, and got a big surprise when Kenjaev beat

him. He had never played against Kenjaev and you could see the

problems he was causing for lots of this match. You have to reset your

computer, when you are gearing up for one opponent and another one

comes through. It is quite a shock. Next up, a tough ask against his

opponent from Korea. Eight o'clock tonight that one. Plenty of time to

recover. Now turning his thoughts to a guy who could be very difficult

indeed, that is at eight o'clock local time.

It is on the website and you can find inspirational stories

from people like you, as well as hints, tips and 70

practical guides to help you give something a go.

There is an activity finder to help you find something to try near you.

You can ask questions through the social media accounts

and maybe you can inspire someone else to give something a try.

Now, we are passing the baton over to you.

Let's bring you up-to-date with their headlines and far this

afternoon. We showed you Mexico and Japan progressing in the women's

team archery earlier. Disappointment for the donation. Brazil have been

knocked out and Italy go through the quarterfinals. -- disappointment for

the home nation. In the last few moments, India have beaten Colombia

at the Sambodromo. They go through to complete the last line up in the

women's competition. Success for Great Britain in the fencing, James

Andrew Davies moves forward after a win over his Tunisian opponent in

the men's foil, Mohammad Fajani. And the weather is playing havoc with

the rowing at the Lagoa Stadium. Action has been suspended until

further notice. Yesterday we saw the Botes capsizing because the weather

was so bad and for the safety of all competitors involved, action

suspended until further notice. The weather has been playing havoc with

us along the coast in Barra. We have seen, you can actually see a few

people holding onto their hats, the flags are flying, it has been pretty

windy. That weather out there has suspended the rowing at the Lagoa

Stadium. We are going to show you some Beach Volleyball Arena. Or,

volleyball, I should say, without the sand, but Brazil are fantastic.

In the women's event, they are aiming for a third consecutive

Olympic title. In the men's event, Brazil are the world number one

nation. There are more players and boys to be won in this competition

than in each competition, so he is a guide to volleyball.

Volleyball made its debut in 1964, a sport where power and height is

invaluable, the court is 18 metres by nine metres, and the object to

ground the ball on your opponents side of the court. If a fifth set is

required, it is the first team to reach 15. What a team must always

win a set by at least two points. The team who win a point always

serve. During play a team can only touch the ball three times before it

must go back across the net. The high number of different shops. A

pump is when the ball is above the waist and does not need a

significant change in stance. Eight feet is below the waist and means a

lower body position. The set is traditionally the second shot after

the bump. It is hit into the air to line up the perfect shot for the

third hit, the spike. There is a specialised player. This player

wears a different coloured top and can be substituted into the

back-court for any player in the team. They cannot serve, Spike, or

rotate into the front line positions but they play a vital role in serve

reception and back-court defence. There are preliminary and knockout

phases with the finalists competing for the gold and silver medals.

In the men's competition we have two walls of six teams, the top four

going into the quarterfinals. The hosts have been kept apart from the

Russian Olympic champions but was ill face competition for the top

spot in the group from the likes of the USA. Italy are a really good

shout for a medal. Prawns in London 2012. They face France, 11th in the

world. They were crowned European champions back in 2014. We go to the

home of Brazilian volleyball, and you can expect the home fans to be

raising the roof when the host steak and Mexico in a couple of hours. But

they seem to be enjoying themselves right now. It is Italy versus

France. France in red. They will start the

game. Off the block. Italy have the first

point. If you win the point you either take

the serve or retain the serve. Chance for the 29-year-old, is

usually experience, big and strong Ruggier to come into the action. Who

can build momentum and get points on the board? Italy, so far. It is

going well. And it means so much. These points build up the mountain.

-- momentum. The setter Giannelli. A first chance to see Zaytsev who

makes his point immediately. Dispatched in style.

Working really well for Italy. Dynamic movement, keeping it in

play. And Italy go further ahead. 5-0. A real intensity and dynamism

to the Italian play early on. The ball went off the block, and that is

a point. It is the first time out called by Laurent Tillie,

understandably. Italy still have the advantage,

still have the serve. The block was strong. They have opened the

serving, yet it is 6-0 in favour of Italy. A storming start. Frustration

on the face of Kevin Le Roux. Rouzier, going for the tip. Zaytsev,

and off the block. France have still to manage a point. This was not in

the script. Out of the two teams, France are very much informed. But

Italy have them rocking. Le Roux, he still cannot finish, off the block.

Frustration now growing on the French side of the net. 8-0. The

block was there, but off the top of the fingers, and it was a point to

Italy. Zaytsev unleash us. And off the

block. This is an extraordinary start. Even the Italians, in the

wildest dreams, surely did not foresee this. France are absolutely

reeling. Only one serve so far. Zaytsev, 100% Spike rate at the

moment, four out of four. And at last. At last. France have their

first point. Six minutes into the game. Le Roux

four. That does not help his cause. You could see the frustration

building up. Nothing has gone for them so far, the spikes have not

worked, the blocks have not worked, and now we serve is malfunctioning.

Juantorena arrives. And finished. Middle blocker, the captain,

Birarelli, crosscourt. No wonder he is shaking his head. They are

completely shell-shocked. He almost cannot stop smiling.

Off the block. And Tillie we'll have a point. Frankly, France will take

anything. Rouzier, to serve. Good loaded per.

But there's no answer to that. -- good though Dipper. Laurel Tilly has

plenty to do. 12-2 in arrears. They land one. And Tillie we serve.

Perfectly set through the block. A crosscourt. France claimed the

point. He just pushed it too hard. Cross-court and alt. That was not

coming back from Lanza. 13-4. Italy are just seemingly untouchable at

the moment. France will have to hang on in here. They will already be

thinking about playing for the second set because Italy

seemingly... And unforced error. The first of the match. But they are

very much in control. The block move across. And does its

job. And again they are ready. But superbly placed by the French style.

Just behind the blockers. Looking for a serve. -- dip serve.

And comes the award-winning Libero. Playing in a defensive role. Cannot

come forward into the front court, if you are watching vulnerable for

the first time. Cannot serve or Spike and was always stay in the

back-court, behind the middle line. There is the Italian Libero.

Zaytsev! Off the block, France take the point. Zaytsev, he thought he

was through, but N'Gapeth had the block. Strong hit by Zaytsev.

And it is time out called by Italy just as France started to come back.

From 9-0 down to 14-9, that represents something of a recovery,

a comeback. They halved Italy's advantage but there needs to be more

work done. Three-man French block. That went

crosscourt. The Italians are unhappy about that. The referee absolutely

convinced. This looks like being one of the challenges that Italy have

available. Two challenges. Two challenges per set. Each team has

two challenges per set. If the challenge is upheld, you still have

two challenges. If the challenges declined, then you either lose the

point and you lose your challenge and you only have one left in the

set. At the same time, you wonder why they went for that time out.

They usually have technical time-outs after eight points and 16

points but in order to speed up the game and this has been under

discussion with the Volleyball Federation, the FI BB, how to make

the game more user-friendly or visible and attractive to

television, they decided to speed it up. So, the challenge was there a

touch of the block? And did the ball land inside the lines? Hawk-Eye will

give us the answer. There is the answer. France take the point. And

Italy have lost their challenge. Only one more to them, France still

have two. Off the block. An impressive debut so far from

Juantorena. At last! It's taken them a long time

to make one count but a spike is over and down. Neat combination in

the middle of the net. He serves fast. Tipped over. The Italian blog

is there. France think they've won it and the referee says the was a

touch off the block by the Italian blockers and France take the point,

and the gap is just down to three points. The European champions are

coming back. After a shocking start. France have again the chance.

Juantorena could have rescued it, he also had to keep an eye out for

those barricades around the outside of the court. Off Lanza, there was a

chance to get there, but the hoardings were in his way. Down to

two. 15-13. This is more like it, with N'Gapeth serving. This has to

go over. Three touches either side of the net allowed.

Fantastically over the block as well. And Italy take a point, and

move ahead again. . Real force. Italy take the point.

The second referee detected a fault. And you heard the buzz, it is going

to be a technical time-outs. And it looks to be a challenge instead. The

players look up to the big screen so France have requested a challenge.

Currently, the score is 17-13. If France win this challenge, they will

close the gap, the points will be readjusted. So, did that come off

the block? Was there a net touch? Hawk-Eye and the officials will be

watching. The players, spectators, coaches, officials gathered to watch

the screens over the court. France take the point, the scores

will be readjusted. 16-14. They still have two challenges left,

France. France can close this to one point.

And do so! The middle blocker set up and finished. And that huge

advantage that Italy once had, 9-0 at one stage, is just down to one

point. And it is a time-out called by Italy, and you can understand

why. Time to break the French rhythm.

Grebennikov was signed as an attacker, and he has made his name

in that white shirt that he is wearing for France.

Really powerful serve from Rouzier. 18-16. Italy hold their advantage.

The captain serves, and it is out. Good decision to leave. Can they

draw level? They have the serve. The coach's son, Tillie. That was

the block! Came good when he needed it.

He's giving France a chance to strike again.

Pujol is back at the Olympics. He was recalled to the team. Zaytsev

schools. Five more and they will have the first set. The French block

was split there. There were big holes in it and Zaytsev took

advantage of it. The captain comes on...

Here he is. He is an expert Seto, and Juantorena landed with the

spike. First appearance for Antonov, born

in Moscow, as the name suggests. Became an Italian citizen last year,

ready to make his mark for his new country. Dispatched again! That

little combination, Little and large, only one middle blocker, they

split the Italian ranks, and they have the point.

They can't do anything about it when it comes back. Italy move forward

again. Three points away from closing at this first set.

Frustration for France. Getting closer, but that isn't good

enough. They went for the ace down the line. And it is a challenge

called by Italy. Their second and final one. If it isn't upheld.

So, instead of 22-21, this could become 23-20. Having led for so

long, and so dominantly as well, 9-0 at one stage in this first set to be

so close at this stage of the game would be very frustrating. Is it in

or out? It is in! If any part of the ball lands on that line, that is in.

Italy win the challenge, and they still have one more in this set,

should they need it. Time-out called by France.

Just break the Italian concentration, break their rhythm,

Tillie is saying. They have the serve. Anything to negate their

advantage. Three points France need. Italy two to close out this first

set. A skilful tip, but read by Zaytsev.

It was somehow kept in. That surely courtly and ten I, that is not

allowed. That means Italy have set point. What a start this has been.

Giannelli to serve. One set point saved. Or is that in? Whips out.

Italy have taken that first set. An outstanding achievement by Italy. In

a way they almost just had to tumble over the line, having led so

dominantly, but even so, 25-20. The last time these two teams met France

were in complete control but now the French have to regroup and come

again. ORE: we have got a match on our

hands here. A bit of confusion there but we will come back and see it in

the certain set and we will see if France can be close that gap.

Earlier on the programme we were in the table tennis watching Liam

Pitchford in his opening encounter in the men's singles table tennis

and he had never before qualified for the Olympics in the singles

competition and he questioned if he was up for this stage but he

definitely did against Uzbekistan and he moves into the third round

and afterwards we caught up with Liam.

I think it is fair to say that was pretty emphatic. You must be pretty

pleased with a game like that. Yes, it has been a long time waiting to

play that first game and I was nervous at the start but I enjoyed

every minute and I was pleased with how I played and to get the win. We

saw the crowd afterwards and you have a few new fans. Yes, I took a

few selfies the crowd has been amazing and we have been making a

lot of noise and I enjoyed playing in that environment. Tonight you are

against the number nine seed from South Korea. How do you think it

will pan out? Yes, I played him last month in the Korean open and lost

4-1 but today is a new day and he is the favourite so I will go in there

and play my game and hopefully make a surprise. You have ten hours until

your next match, what you do between now and then? I will go back to the

village and get some lunch and hopefully a bit of a nap and then

start to prepare for the eight o'clock match. Thank you very much.

Well done, all the best tonight. If a nap is what he is going for it

is a well-deserved nap. He deserves a rest after that victory. A great

effort from Liam Pitchford there. We will resume things back at the

volleyball. Brazil is the home of volleyball and we are watching Italy

against France in their pool A encounter and a few seconds ago

Italy, bronze medallists from 2012, took the first set. Can France get

back into the set? We will go back for set to.

The European champions have been stunned in the first set by Italy.

It could have been a lot worse because at one stage Italy were 12-3

to the good. Their morale has remained high. It was in danger of

being dented because France closed within a point but crucially and

significantly Italy had -- held out and France and their star-studded

line-up have two regroup and come again. This was not in the French

script. Completely dominant in the world league. Barely a month ago in

Poland, but so far Italy have turned the tables and they will serve.

N'Gapeth is frustrated and you can tell that did land where they wanted

and already Italy have a point of the board. France are behind in this

match so far. N'Gapeth has a chance and he does at

this time, off the block. Like a footballer scuffing a shot in, as

long as he scores and it counts, the moment -- at the moment France need

all the help they can get just to get a foothold in this game.

Juantorena is so impressive in that position. Italy take the point and

France complained. Their sound is the buzzer. A challenge has to be

requested immediately they feel there has been an injustice, so they

don't wait for the end of the rally, they do it immediately. More often

than not that does occur at the end of a rally but the coach and the

players can't mull over it while the play continues. Was there a touch

there? Juantorena thought he had got

everything right but Rouzier thought otherwise. France have used the

first of their two challenges in this set. Building the drama. The

smiles tell you which team has done well so far.

France not liking what they see by the looks of it.

And France take the point 2-2. The challenge was accepted and France

still have two more in this set. The officials are getting a little

bit trigger-happy there are now. It is now 1-1. Both coaches agree.

Write down the line. -- right down the line. Just over

the net. It has come back. That is going to ask a lot of N'Gapeth, it

is too much. He hasn't really been able to get into the game at all,

N'Gapeth. Our and intensity of the Italian team and the Italian attack

has been such that France have been on the back foot for much of this

match so far. Giannelli will continue. The set didn't quite work

there for France. That was long. But it was a touch and France are up

further behind. Le Roux wasn't able to reach over

and it just ruffled his fingers, or maybe wrap them such was the power.

Italy's lead continues to grow. France with the point. The second

official intervenes. Juantorena going for the dip at the

end but it dipped beyond the backline.

Birarelli the middle blocker, highly potent and it worked for him there.

The captain now serves. Zaytsev. But his block goes out.

France have a point. Tillie is pretty much the most effective of

the French attackers at the moment. N'Gapeth yet to get into the game.

Periods, setting and waiting and here he will spike. That block was

more than a measure and more of a match for N'Gapeth. The two star

players meet on either side of the net and it is the Italian comes out

on top. Nine out of 13 spikes, that tells

its own story. N'Gapeth that will unload but Italy take the point.

There was a touch by France and Italy 8-4. Again they move into a

strong lead. France just cannot really make headway. A dipping

serve, bishops. Rouzier, one of the rare moments of joy and an

outpouring of adrenaline, that has been so much frustration.

France can't get into this one at the moment. A neat turn there, quick

tip, and the block works superbly, supremely. Work together and

Giannelli's hand, his left hand just dropped the ball down and no chance

for the French to recover. N'Gapeth receives and now they have blocked

out. They have read it every single time, the French blockers. They go

for the big hit but it is long. Delay here. It is another challenge.

France have requested. Eyes to the sky, to the big screens. There are

four of them are of the court. -- above the court. Was there a touch

on its way out? Or are the French hoping that it was just inside or on

the line? Tense moments these for the French

team. They will have come into this expecting to win. They haven't lost

against Italy for four years. 2012. They won the last five matches

straight. If they lose this set they could be in real trouble. It will

take a monumental effort to come back and win the final three sets.

The challenge has been upheld. No. Well, the French thought that they

had won it. They can't believe it. But the referee has spoken, the

judges, the Hawk-Eye judges have made their decision and Italy take

the point. And France have only got one more challenge left.

The Italian blockers have been outstanding today. But Rouzier has

the last laugh today. It is a point at last. Reverse set from Toniutti,

and Rouzier let fly. Tier-mac they can't believe that.

But France have the point. From the back! Lanza comes through. We had

the dummy, the decoy... The slide, and France are struggling again.

Four points in arrears. A rare moment of triumph. It was a grimace

rather than a smile, there is so much work to be done for France.

Just one block to beat, and he did it can N'Gapeth find his mark? From

the backcourt, N'Gapeth now. France misfiring just like N'Gapeth,

their star player. One of the big servers on the tour,

Le Roux. One of the big hits hitters, Zaytsev, he claims they

touch. And there is a challenge from Italy. Zaytsev absolutely convinced

there was a touch off a French blocker. So, it could be 13-9, or

stay at 12-10. Here is the incident. Surely, there was a touch of Le

Goff, the left hand. No wonder Zaytsev was so convinced.

The officials and the referee agreed. The school has changed, and

Italy have these serve and a 4-point lead. Mighty block again! Everything

is working, everything seems to be coming off. The French have been

counted at every turn, every block. The now moment, as some people call

it, reaching out over the net, and the ball isn't going to get through.

Time-out called by France, not surprisingly.

This brulee is one of the toughest. We have Brazil, USA, Italy, France,

and Mexico are probably going to be the whipping boys but only four of

the six go through to the quarterfinals, and if France were to

do is this, they'd be up against it against USA, Brazil, Canada. They

would have to win those remaining games. This is absolutely vital for

France to come back. They have designs on some Olympic glory, the

first medal if they were to do that. They need to strike now. Can they

make the build-up play pay? Rouzier crosscourt, but it is out. And the

gap only grows bigger. Juantorena, playing the game of his

life at the moment. Wonderful disguise to serve there.

Lanza, down the line! Well might Tillie scratch his head. Rouzier

can't believe what he's seeing. I don't think the Italian coach can as

well. Everything is going to plan. Rouzier, off the block. It is a rare

point. Tillie deciding he's going to change

it around. Pujol coming on. Pujol, Buckfastleigh experienced,

and he will serve. -- vastly experienced. Lanza goes down the

line, was it a touch? Italy claim, France dispute. And there is a

challenge, there is the tell-tale buzzer.

Was there a touch of the right-hand or did it go straight past? If it

was out, then France will take the point, and the school will be 16-11.

-- the score will be 16-11. France have to believe, they have to find

something somewhere. It doesn't look good for France. And

now it does. The body language seemed to suggest it wasn't good but

it is 16-11. Oh! Left-handed! That would have caught the Italian

defence out, it adds a new dimensional, opens out a new angle.

And Italy call a time-out. France mixing it up in terms of

throwing on different players. Italy, business as usual. Their

starting players have done the job beautifully. Zaytsev, so strong.

Beautifully finished by Birarrelli. France grateful to get the ball bank

and in play and get another chance, but Birarrelli finished it

mercilessly, and he will serve. Their luck isn't changing. Italy and

Zaytsev are marching confidently towards a second set.

Instructions being passed. Lovely touch but it was a net shortly. And

Italy have the point. 19-12. Any French supporters just tuning in and

watching would be utterly amazed to watch this. And they see the first

set. Extraordinary turnaround. The coach's son, Tillie, to serve.

Piano! It just gets better. Zaytsev, 20-13 ahead. That was a

rare error. But whereas in the past often the French would have come

back with half a chance, the Italian morale is so strong, they believe,

and they are leading. That was off the block from Zaytsev.

His introduction has worked for France, wonderful rescue, for a tall

man tumbling down, able to keep the ball off the floor and then

finishing, that was Rossaro. From the backcourt, Juantorena.

Four points away from taking a 2-0 sets lead.

Zaytsev, backcourt! What a spike! Ditty land awkwardly? One of the

perils of being a volleyball player. The force when they land can cause

problems for the ankle. And their knees. Plenty of them have had

surgery and back problems, too. Time-out called by Italy, not

surprisingly. Just playing for time. He did land awkwardly, Zaytsev, on

his left ankle. You suspect he'd have to be dragged off the court

because this is a momentous match for Italy. Just practising, and

getting back into the rhythm. 11 out of 19 spikes. His ankle has

restored. It will take him through. Three more points to close out this

second set. Rouzier on for Bujold. France at the

net. That is a frustrating for Sturrock. Italy are just two points

away from two sets to love lead. The captain comes on. What magic can he

create? And it needs to be. Antonov rejoins. That is out. That is

exactly what happened on his serve when it came on before so his two

introductions have not paid off. But still, six points Italy have over

France, just needing two more to win this set. Here comes Juantorena

again. That is good enough. Off the block and Italy against all the odds

have set point, and what a margin they have as well. 24-17.

Giannelli. Tillie unleashes, but is he only delaying the inevitable.

He's still have another six points to make up. Liu Rui. That is off the

block. That is wide. The Juantorena. They had the chance. Looking to

maximise the court, just use the full width, find a corner. Le Roux

again, leading all of his skill to keep France in this set. Zaytsev

goes long. Another set point goes begging. France creep closer.

Italy call a time-out to stem the tide.

This next serve has to be good, and if they win the point, the next

serve after that and the one after that and the one after that they

have to be absolutely perfect to keep France in this set and not fall

two sets down. Le Roux once more. Zaytsev goes for the tip. That is

the second set. France are stunned. Italy are flying. 25-20, 25-20. ORE:

well, the match could not be going any better for Italy right now. They

lead by two sets to nail and both have been won by 25-20 and France

have it all to do if they are to stay in this match. We will return

to that stadium shortly but first we will check in on how they are

getting on on BBC One at the moment. Right now they are featuring the

women's rugby sevens. New Zealand other favourites for many and it is

definitely between them and Australia in that competition they

are taking on France to make it three out of three in group B and

next on BBC One we will see the women's road race with Lizzie

Armitstead going for Great Britain. Can she possibly earn Great

Britain's first medal of the Olympics Rio 2016? On BBC Four we

have some serious business to deal with because we have got... Mark, it

is your moment, what are they doing? I'm sorry. Tell everyone exactly

what you are doing here and why. This is my eighth Olympic Games I

have been for and I have no ticket Monaghan border my friend in Germany

is waiting for me. Since I have been here I have had no tickets so I am

looking for tickets. I can't do anything but if you want to get a

call-out to the UK. I need a ticket really badly but you made a much

better Olympics than they do over here but if you can wire me one that

would be good iPhone is right here and you can worry ticket to me. It

is ten minutes into the game and we will do fine. You are saying all the

right things. We will do anything we can to get marked into the handball

arena. Give us your flag a minute while I link you into the stadium.

He is a proud America and has come all the way from California. The

weather is not too bad. Not too bad for the winter! While Mark tries to

get a ticket for the handball we will go back to the volleyball with

Italy leading 2-0 against France. Italy are leading 9-7. Take us

through set three. He's gone! N'Gapeth takes the point for France.

They are staying in touch, and they need to.

A great recovery completed by telly. Finished. France are happy to get

the ball over the net and that has set up the kill for Italy. 10-8.

France will take that. Of the block from Kevin Tillie. Set by N'Gapeth

and off the left hand of Giannelli. Beautifully worked. Receive, set,

Spike. Perfect lead to his path and almost swatted away by Giannelli,

block or no block. Giannelli now serves.

Rossard can't benefit. Italy once again open up an advantage. 12-9.

Giannelli continues, good spell of play, putting the points together.

N'Gapeth opposite. You don't need to look at the scoreboard, just look at

his reaction. It's another point gone begging.

The French have blocked out N'Gapeth every time. Lanza takes the point.

There is a time-out called by France. They need a breather. They

were leading and now they are trailing again.

The team can't quite believe what is happening around them.

It is as if Christmas has arrived on Midsummer 's day, this was not meant

to happen, this was nowhere near in the script. Italy might take a set,

but not two, and not be leading in the third set by 14-9.

Zaytsev! Involved, but that was Juantorena who finally finished it

off. 15-10. The team at -- the team captains are

being spoken to by the referee. Juantorena, the full force of the

serve. N'Gapeth, but again blocked. The three Italian walkers are just

like a wall there, they have read him all the time. -- the three

Italian blockers. Barely 25% strike rate for N'Gapeth in this set and in

this match overall. 16-11. France are going down to an astonishing

defeat. Italy have been unstoppable right from the first serve. They won

that and they never looked back. Off the block, or is that too far?

Rossard. It is not off the block, it has gone too far beyond the

baseline. France are sinking. Float from Birarelli. On any other

day he would surely have landed that and France would have a score but

today there is a blue wall that is absolutely impenetrable, even just

one man and the Piano left hand has just held firm.

The tension, the frustration, the anger growing. Two time-outs in

very, very quick succession. That is unusual, but it also is a measure of

the discomfort and distress that France are feeling. They cannot

believe this. Italy are maximising it. There is the look of a

bewildered man, lost. Zaytsev! It's another unstoppable

Spike. Crosscourt, away from the block, N'Gapeth away from his feet,

no chance. Rossard takes, and France will claim

N'Gapeth to serve. On any other day, Zaytsev would not have found that

funny