11 August 2008 - China sends shockwaves through men's team elimination rounds

China sends shockwaves through men's team elimination rounds Beijing - 11 August 2008   In a stunning display of accuracy, the Chinese surprised even themselves by advancing to the semi-finals of the men's team event at the Olympic Green Archery Field on Monday 11 August.   China entered the elimination rounds as the lowest ranked team in the competition at 12th, yet managed to defeat fifth ranked Great Britain (214-210) in the 1/8 elimination round and fourth ranked Russia (217-209) in quarterfinal. The Chinese took full advantage of playing on their home field in front of a supportive crowd.      Korea, Italy and Ukraine also advanced to the semi-finals. Korea, Ukraine, Russia and Malaysia had byes in the 1/8 elimination round.      The No. 1 seed Korea had a tougher match against Poland than was expected. Korea, the two-time defending Olympic champion, defeated Poland on the very last arrow, 224-222. Poland beat Australia, 223-218 in the 1/8 elimination round.   Italy started the day with a 219-217 win over Canada. Italy's near-perfect third end of 59 out of 60 points was a major contributing factor to the win. Italy advanced to the semi-finals by defeating the No. 3 seed Malaysia handily in the quarterfinal, 218-213.     Second seed Ukraine showed they are a serious medal contender in their defeat of Chinese Taipei 214-211. Earlier in the morning session, Chinese Taipei defeated the United States of America by a score of 222-218.   USA's 1/8 elimination round loss to Chinese Taipei was hard for the Americans to accept as they were under tremendous pressure to reach the Olympic podium at Beijing 2008. USA won bronze at Sydney 2000, gold at Atlanta 1996 and silver at Seoul 1988.   The men's team event continues with the semi-finals and final rounds at 16:00 on Monday. Italy faces Ukraine, followed by Korea versus China.   ONS jf/jg/bc/rw