There had been more to celebrate in the World Cup itself, Barzalona cementing his reputation for exuberance by rising in his stirrups in celebration well before the finish line, echoing his win in last year's English Derby.

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Wang also won the women's singles title in Sydney, bringing her career tally to three Olympic gold and cementing her status as one of the best players in China's seemingly endless production-line of elite table tennis players.

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