The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-09

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] US National Killed in Beijing

Sources: ANA-MPA

A US tourist was killed Saturday in Beijing by a Chinese national, who then committed suicide, said the official Xinhua news agency. The assailant attacked two US nationals, before killing himself, said a spokesman of the Beijing authorities. The two Americans were related to the head coach of the US volley team.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: US tourist is 'killed in Beijing'

[02] Japan Commemorates Nagasaki Victims

Sources: REUTERS

Japan marked the 63rd anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki with a solemn ceremony on Saturday and a call for world powers to abandon their nuclear weapons.

Thousands of children, elderly survivors and dignitaries in the citys Peace Park bowed their heads in a minute of silence at 11:02 a.m. (0202 GMT), the time the bomb was dropped, to remember the tens of thousands who ultimately died from the blast.

"The United States and Russia must take the lead in striving to abolish nuclear weapons," Nagasaki mayor Tomihisa Taue said at the gathering, which included Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.

About 27,000 of the southwestern citys estimated 200,000 population died instantly from the bomb, and about 70,000 had died by the end of 1945.

Nagasaki was bombed by the United States on August 9, 1945, three days after the western city of Hiroshima, where the blast also killed tens of thousands immediately and many more later from radiation sickness.

[03] Time for Basket Ball

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Greek basketball team (Men) meets Spain at 09:30, on Sunday morning. All players were present at todays two hour training. They stated concentrated and well prepared for the difficult game.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] Greek Boxer Giorgos Gazis Advances to "16"

By Nasos Bratsos

Greeces boxer Giorgos Gazis was successful in his opening game at the Beijing Olympic Games. Hammering 5-2 his rival Herry Saliku Biembe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gazis made it to the round of 16. He will fight against Carlos Congora of Ecuador.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Olympic Record at Men's 400-Metre Individual Medley

By Nasos Bratsos

US swimmer Michael Phelps set a new Olympic record clocking 4:07:82, while competing in heat four of the mens 400-metre individual medley preliminary in Beijing. Greek swimmer Romanos Alyfantis, who ran in the same heat, clocked 4:23:41, landing last place. In his statements to NET television, he referred to the valuable experience one gets from the participation in the Olympic Games. Disappointed by his performance, he said he would do his best in the three forthcoming events he is to take part in.

Greek swimmer, Vassilis Demetis, who ran in the second heat of the mens 400-metre individual medley preliminary, also ranked last, clocking 4:18:40. In his statements to NET television, Demetis underlined that he had been weighed down by stress. "I missed the dream of participating in the Olympic Games. I will hold on to that experience. Life goes on," said Demetis

[06] Papathanasiou Fails to Finish 2nd Race

By Nasos Bratsos

The first place Greek sailor Emilios Papathanasiou landed in the first final of the Finn event gave him the lead. However, he slipped to 13th after failing to finish the second race. He was shown a second yellow card for strong protests. Rafal Szukiel of Poland has now the lead.

Related News:

Sailing Kick-Start Temporarily Cancelled

[07] Greek Judoka Alexanides Ranked 13th

By Thanasis Karlos

The lack of concentration in the last seconds of the game cost Greek judoka Lavrentis Alexanides his participation in the next round. He lost to Canadian Will Frazer and ranked thirteenth.

"I cant believe what just happened. It is beyond reason for such an athlete to lose his concentration while fighting in so important a tournament," commented the Greek head coach, Nikos Iliades. "Lavrentis had two chances, but failed to take advantage of them. I had told him some stuff regarding the particular game to avert him from such situations. It is sad to see athletes losing in that way, athletes who sweat everyday to reach as higher as possible," commented he.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Alexanides still Hopes despite Losing

Alexanides Makes It to the "16"

[08] Maras: "Like a Nightmare"

By Ampelakis Spyros

The expectations for the overall performance of the Greek Olympic delegation have been rather moderate from the very beginning. However, Vlassis Maras was included on the list of those who stood strong chances of claiming an Olympic medal.

Even the optimists would not even think that the brilliant Greek gymnast would be left out of the horizontal bar final. "Words cant say much in such moments. It looks like a nightmare," commented Maras a few moments after leaving the stadium.

The fall during his performance signalled the end of his drive to win an Olympic medal. Years of sacrifice and deprivations were dashed within 30 seconds. "Falling is better than a poor performance, because I want to be first and not a mediocre. Ill be either at the top or at the bottom. I was in a very good day. I chose to perform an easy programme, but I wanted to be perfect. I made a mistake in the beginning, I wasted my energy to correct it, and when that happens in artistic gymnastics there is no turning back," argued Maras. Touching on his future, he said: "As soon as I finish, Ill turn off my self phone and Ill go on vacations. Along with my coach, we will see to certain stuff in our live. I have to shift my attention to my studies and to my future in general. Ill continue competing until turning 30, though. If I can take it and I am in a good shape, I would like to continue until reaching 35."

Later on Saturday, Vlassis Maras will know if he makes it to the vault final. "I have come to terms with it. I kicked out from the horizontal bar final. If I get lucky with the vault event, then I will do my best at the final."

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Maras Kicked Out

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