Table Tennis: Lomas loses opening game

OLYMPIC GAMES

Despite a great start, Lisa Lomas' chances of a medal almost disappeared when she lost 21-16, 21-10 to the European champion, Marie Svensson, in her opening match last night.

The England No 1's slight consolation was that victory had gone to one of her closest friends with whom she often stays when playing in the Swedish league. "It started OK but once she got going I couldn't stop her," Lomas said.

Her only hope of rescuing the situation is to win today against the world and Olympic champion, Deng Yapping.