Italy booked its place in the men's volleyball tournament at the Beijing Olympics with a tense five-set win over Argentina yesterday.

The "Azzurri" came through 25-19, 25-19, 22-25, 21-25, 15-5 to finish with a perfect 7-0 record in the final Olympic qualifying tournament in Tokyo. Italy, silver medalist behind Brazil in Athens four years ago, will join Japan at the August Games. Japan locked up its first Olympic appearance in 16 years on Saturday. Brazil, 2004 bronze medalist Russia, the US, Bulgaria, Egypt, Serbia, Venezuela, Germany, Poland and China round out the 12-team tournament.

Hidayat woes

Indonesia's top shuttler Taufik Hidayat is unlikely to defend his singles title at the Beijing Olympics due to his inconsistent performances, Indonesian Badminton Association Chairman Sutiyoso has said. "It will be difficult for Taufik to retain his gold medal. He can't maintain his physical fitness and he keeps losing," he was quoted as saying.

(Shanghai Daily June 10, 2008)