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NewsWhore
08-12-2008, 06:20 PM
Track star Felix Sanchez says he is under pressure to run the 400-meter hurdles race on the 15th, in light of the fact that Dominican athletes in other events have failed to win medals. Sanchez, who is still recovering from a lingering foot injury, thanked the millions of Dominicans who have supported his every move.
Sports Minister Felipe (Jay) Payano and US President George Bush exchanged pleasantries during a basketball game in Beijing. Both Bush and Payano, who is representing President Leonel Fernandez, were sitting in the section reserved for foreign dignitaries. According to Hoy, Payano was introduced to the US President by USA Basketball's managing director Jerry Colangelo. Colangelo and Payano have known each other since 1997. President Bush is quoted as saying that President Fernandez is a very intelligent man.
The Dominican Table Tennis team is in its final stages of preparation for its debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Although the Chinese national team is heavily favored, Dominicans Lin Ju ad Nieves Xue (both Chinese-born) are expected to compete for medals in the team and individual events. Pingpong coach Miguel Rodriguez says the training has been intense, and the team's spirits are very high. The team is in the same group as Croatia, China and Portugal.
Dominican sailor Raul Aguayo came in 37th place in his first race and 30th place in his second race yesterday. He will continue to compete today. Although Aguayo is ranked 77th in the world in his category, there is still a chance that he will win a medal. In recent years, Aguayo has become one of the best sailors in the region and is one of the sport's rising stars.
Also, Juan Carlos Payano made his debut, holding the DR's best chances for a medal. The boxer faced Frenchman Jerome Thomas who was a bronze medal winner in the 2000 Sydney Games. His rival's past success didn't deter Payano who beat Thomas 10-6 in his four-round bout. Meanwhile, Dominican Roberto Navarro lost to Ecuadorian boxer Luis Porozo in a sloppy fight.

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