WUG officially underway
By Lee Taylor | 16 August 2007
The 2007 World University Games are officially underway following last night's opening ceremony at the National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand
Fencing's Alexander O'Connell, who is a student of Cambridge University, carried the flag for Great Britain at a spectacular ceremony that was more than fit to open the 24th Universiade.
Britain's students are set for ten days of intense competition across 14 sports at the event, which runs until Saturday 18 August.
Today (Thurs 9) sees the action on the track and field commence. Loughborough’s William Sharman will be the first athlete to feature for Team GBR, as the 110m hurdles heats get underway at 9.45am (3.45am BST). Hammer thrower Zoe Derham (University of Gloucestershire), begins her qualification phase, and Middlesex University’s Simeon Williamson, Ryan Scott – who studies at the University of Bath - and 2003 bronze medallist, Darren Chin of St. Mary’s are likely to be involved in the men’s 4x100m relay – the final of which is scheduled for 19.55pm (13.55pm BST). The men’s and women’s 400m heats also take place.
Elsewhere, in the pool, Joe Roebuck of Loughborough and Manchester University’s Michael Rock should feature in the 200m butterfly, as should Debbie Hall (Sheffield Hallam) and Louise Henley (Swansea) in the 50m breaststroke. Commonwealth medallist Euan Dale of Loughborough features in the 200m breaststroke, whilst Stirling University’s Scott Houston goes in the 200m backstroke. All heats are scheduled to start from 09.30am, with the finals being staged in the evening session.
Britain’s tennis and badminton players are also due on court as the women’s doubles get the former started - Katherine Baker (University of Bath) and Hannah Grady (University of California) taking on the sixth seeds of Mi Yoo and Jin-a Lee of Korea - and the latter down to begin the team competition.
Gymnast Carolyn Fyfe, who is a student at the University of Gloucestershire, begins her individual qualification and Temi Jegede – Britain’s sole Taekwondo entrant - weighs in for his welterweight 78kg bout, which continues on Friday.
