The International Olympic Committee has approved the entry of 271 Russian athletes for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The IOC announced the decision Thursday night, about 24 hours before the Opening Ceremony of the games.
The 271 approved athletes come from Russia’s original entry list of 389.
The IOC asked international sports federations to decide which Russian athletes should be cleared to compete after a review of their doping records. That followed an investigation for the World Anti-Doping Agency that detailed state-sponsored cheating in Russia.
The final decision on entries was up to a three-member IOC panel, which received advice from an independent sports arbitrator.
Rule ‘unenforceable’The Court of Arbitration for Sport says an IOC rule barring Russian athletes with a prior doping sanction from competing in the Olympics is ‘‘unenforceable.’’ CAS says the rule ‘‘does not respect the athletes’ right of natural justice.’’ The court decision came in the appeal of two Russian rowers, Anastasia Karabelshivo and Ivan Podshivalov, who both received two-year doping bans in 2008 . . . Italian beach volleyball player Viktoria Orsi Toth is out of the Olympics after failing a doping test and will be replaced by Laura Giombini, who will play with Marta Menegatti.
Robber killedThe police in Rio de Janeiro say a Russian diplomat trying to repel an attempted robbery near the Olympic Park was involved in a shooting that left the assailant dead. The Russian embassy denied any of their employees were involved in the incident.
The police say the diplomat wrestled with a gunman who was trying to rob him, causing the weapon to go off and kill the criminal. In a statement to the Associated Press, the Russians refuted the police report.
Disappointing drawBrazil started its quest for an Olympic gold medal in men’s soccer with a disappointing 0-0 draw against South Africa in Brasilia, a result that prompted loud jeers by some of the home fans.
Despite an attack led by Barcelona striker Neymar and talented youngsters Gabriel Jesus and Gabigol, Brazil was not able to find the net at the packed Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia.
In the other Group A match in Brasilia, Iraq, and Denmark also played to a scoreless draw, leaving all four teams tied.
In Rio de Janeiro, Portugal defeated two-time Olympic champion Argentina, 2-0, with goals by Paciencia in the 66th and Pite in the 84th in front of 45,000 fans at the Olympic Stadium, the vast majority cheering for Portugal. Earlier, Honduras defeated Algeria, 3-2, in the other Group D game in Rio.
In the jungle city of Manaus, Colombia and Sweden drew, 2-2, in Group B. In Group C, defending champion Mexico drew, 2-2, with Germany despite twice having the lead in Salvador.
Proudest moment
Andy Murray calls being chosen to carry Britain’s flag in the Opening Ceremony of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics ‘‘by far the proudest moment in my professional career.’’
This from someone who owns three Grand Slam tennis titles, along with a pair of Olympic medals.
Murray said being a flag bearer on Friday will be ‘‘inspiring’’ and said he thinks it will help him perform well with a racket in his hand during the Rio Games.
Samaranch electedJuan Antonio Samaranch Jr. has been elected a vice president of the IOC, 42 years after his father reached the same spot. Turkey’s Ugur Erdener was elected to another vice president’s spot Thursday, while Ukraine’s Sergei Bubka was among those winning terms on the executive board. US member Angela Ruggiero joined the board in her new role as chair of the IOC athletes commission. The IOC also elected eight new members: Nita Ambani (India), Sari Essayah (Finland), Ivo Ferriani (Italy), Luis Alberto Moreno (Colombia), Auvita Rapilla (Papua New Guinea), Anant Singh (South Africa), Tricia Smith (Canada), and Karl Stoss (Austria).
