Whitlock’s nervy start

GYMNASTICS: Defending champion Max Whitlock admitted he was plagued with nerves before reaching the pommel horse final. The Briton qualified in third place with 14.900 points, with the top eight going through to the showpiece a week today. Britain’s men also reached the team final, qualifying in fifth.

‘I can say on behalf of every gymnast that qualification is the hardest and most nerve-racking thing ever,’ said Whitlock.

JUDO: British judoka Ashley McKenzie, a former contestant on Celebrity Big Brother, broke down in tears after being eliminated from the Games in his one fight.

McKenzie, 32, starred in the 2012 version of the reality TV show, competed at the past two Games in the 60kg category but failed to make an impression in Tokyo.

‘At the moment, I’m mostly sad. I’ve put in a lot of work for this one tournament,’ he said. ‘Loads of things went wrong when I got over here and I just pushed them aside.’

SHOOTING: Seonaid McIntosh missed out on a place in the 10metre air rifle final, the first medal contest of the Games. The Scot, seen as a contender to get Team GB off the mark in the medals table, was on the brink of reaching the eight-woman final but her last shot left her in 12th place.