-
Venezuela says presidential opposition candidate has left country
-
Women ride Pakistan's economic crisis into the workplace
-
Wallabies 'fell of cliff' in loss to Pumas, says coach Schmidt
-
Child abuse scandals hang over pope's East Timor visit
-
Biden team, end in sight, keeps hope on Gaza truce despite setbacks
-
Sabalenka dedicates US Open to family 'who never gave up' on dream
-
Venezuela takes diplomatic jab at Brazil in spat over election
-
Multiple people shot along highway in US state of Kentucky
-
In Papua New Guinea, Pope holds mass 'at the edge of the world'
-
Hewett stays positive for wheelchair tennis despite agonising defeat
-
Three things on US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka
-
Sabalenka downs Pegula to win US Open thriller
-
USA slump to first home defeat against Canada in 67 years
-
Argentina hand Australia record 67-27 loss in Rugby Championship
-
England impress on Carsley bow, Germany, Dutch hit five
-
AFP photographer wins top prize for Gaza coverage
-
No Love for Packers for three weeks after ligament sprain: reports
-
Pedro Almodovar: chronicler of modern Spain crowned in Venice
-
Trump sounds dark tone at rally, Harris 'ready' for debate
-
Wirtz and Musiala dazzle to kick-start new Germany era
-
Chinese teenager takes 7th gold of Paris Paralympics
-
England interim boss Carsley 'respects' divided opinions over anthem
-
Neuville moves to the front in the Acropolis Rally
-
Garfield, Pugh charm Toronto in new romance 'We Live in Time'
-
21 boys confirmed dead in Kenya school inferno
-
Over 100,000 protest in France against new prime minister
-
Golden 30 minutes takes China to swimming Paralympics swimming domination
-
Green leads Australia to T20 series sweep of Scotland
-
Nigeria, Cameroon win afer chaotic AFCON build-ups
-
Nicole Kidman: A-lister, cinematic chameleon, wins in Venice
-
'I had to prove myself', says Kolisi after win against All Blacks
-
Almodovar wins top prize at Venice film festival
-
Grealish savours England redemption after 'worst summer'
-
Carsley makes flying start as England interim boss in win over Ireland
-
Springboks close on Rugby Championship with storming win over All Blacks
-
Sri Lanka's De Silva and Kamindu Mendis defy England in third Test
-
Farrell's Racing lose on opening day of Top 14
-
Dunbar takes second Vuelta stage as Roglic closes in on victory
-
Fritz eyes US Open glory to end 21 years of American hurt
-
Thousands protest in France against new prime minister
-
Trump to hold rally in swing state, Harris preps for debate
-
Stone at the double as Sri Lanka collapse against England in third Test
-
French tennis player takes legal action over online abuse
-
Italy backs Kyiv's 'legitimate defence' as Zelensky presses allies
-
The Body Shop rescued from administration after deal
-
Smoke and screams: The horror of Kenya's school dorm inferno
-
MotoGP leader Martin roars to victory in San Marino sprint
-
Ireland and UK to 'reset' relations as Starmer begins Dublin visit
-
Ma Lin turns brutal encounter with bear into glorious Paralympic career
-
Flintoff appointed England Lions head coach
Olympic beach volleyball starts in drenching rain under Eiffel Tower
Excited spectators splashed through puddles Saturday to reach the most spectacular venue of the Paris 2024 Olympics as the first beach volleyball matches began in the shadow of a just-visible Eiffel Tower.
After a rain-soaked opening ceremony the previous day, the first day of sporting action was equally wet and crowds at the purpose-built stadium huddled under umbrellas, hats and raincoats.
The waterlogged park was supposed to be the standout venue of the Paris Games but the rain lashed down as men's teams from the United States and Cuba took to the sand for the opening match.
The skateboarding competition was postponed earlier Saturday but beach volleyball is rarely called off for rain, only for storms.
Athletes warmed up on practice courts in a mixture of tracksuits, shorts and the signature bikinis that the sport has become known for.
Outside the stadium, wooden walkways swayed under muddy puddles and fans wearing their national flags covered up under an array of ponchos, berets and Paris 2024 baseball caps.
"It's horrible, but it's Paris," said Thibauld Fournes ruefully, visiting from northern France. "I don't think it will stop me having a good time."
Beach volleyball has grown to become one of the most popular events at the Olympics since its inclusion for the first time in 1996, and stadium stands were largely packed.
"I don't think the weather will ruin it at all -- it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Sonya Chiu, 44, from New York. "Even though it's raining, pouring, everyone is in good spirits."
- Ponchos and sun hats -
With temperatures set to soar in the next few days, many had clothes and accessories for all possible weather conditions.
"We bought suncream and sun hats -- haven't used them at all. But we spent five euros each on ponchos yesterday and they were great," said Sydney Swanson, 31, from Texas.
"Best five euros I've ever spent," agreed her husband, Axel.
Cuba's Noslen Diaz Amaro and Jorge Luis Alayo Moliner easily won the first match against US pair Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh.
The United States are the current Olympic women's champions but have not won men's gold since Beijing in 2008.
Next on the sand were the top-ranked Swedish pairing of David Ahman and Jonatan Hellvig, both aged 22, who eased to victory against Australians Mark Nicolaidis and Izac Carracher.
The pair are use an aggressive playing style known as the "Swedish jump-set", which adds an element of unpredictability to attacking play.
The tactic helped them win the day's second match in straight sets in less than 40 minutes.
The women's competition starts later Saturday with what promises to be a well-matched contest between Asian champions China's Xue Chen and Xia Xinyi and Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Mariafe Artacho del Solar and Taliqua Clancy of Australia.
Twenty-four teams start in both the men's and women's events, before being whittled down to 16 for the knockout stages, with the finals taking place on August 9 and 10.
T.Resende--PC