Rio boxing judges, refs removed

Olympic boxing’s governing body has removed some judges and referees from the Rio Games after a controversy over fight decisions. The International Boxing Association (AIBA) said in a statement that it had reviewed all decisions in the 239 bouts to date and found “less than a handful” were not at the level expected. The judging was thrown into the spotlight this week when Irish and US boxers protested they had been ‘robbed’ in quarterfinal fights.

Australia advances to men’s basketball semis
Australia was first through to the semifinals of the men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, pounding Lithuania 90-64 as the upsets continued on the Rio Olympic hardwood. A day after hot medal favourites Australia were surprised by Serbia in the women’s basketball quarterfinals, the Boomers provided an upset of their own – knocking off third-ranked Lithuania to advance to the medal round. Australia will now take on the winner out of Croatia and Serbia in Friday’s semifinals.

Farah survives fright to qualify in 5 000m
Reigning champion Mo Farah survived a “nerve-wracking” trip from behind to secure his place in the Olympic final of the men’s 5 000m in Rio on Wednesday. The Briton, who recovered from a fall to retain his 10 000m crown last weekend, was clipped by American Hassan Mead but stayed on his feet to finish third in his heat and preserve his hopes of a double-double.