Khan hammers out warning

Britain's flagging Olympic campaign was given a lift today as our team at last showed some fighting spirit in Athens.

After three days, Britain has only one silver - in the men's synchronised 10-metre platform - but today boxer Amir Kahn led the way with an impressive start against the home favourite.

Khan, our only boxer at the Games, fought back to beat Greece's Marios Kaperonis in front of a hostile crowd.

The 17-year-old student from Bolton earned special congratulations from watching Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell. He later said: "I knew the other lad was on home ground, and I admit I was a bit nervous. But after the first round I got my punching going."

Kahn, who trailed on points early, came back to lead 32-12 in the third round - which meant the referee had to stop the contest.

In badminton, Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson reached the semifinal of the mixed doubles after a 15-8, 17-15 victory over Chinese pair Chen Qiqiu and Zhao Tinting.

The British fourth seeds are guaranteed a shot at the bronze medal and were boosted by the defeat of their scheduled opponents, the Korean favourites. Robertson said: "There is nothing better than reaching the medal stages." Britain's hopes of eventing glory were given a boost early following a fine dressage performance from Leslie Law. The 39-year-old, part of the silvermedalwinning team in Sydney, took the team into fourth place just behind Australia.

However, British weightlifter Kamran Panjavi will gain notoriety after his disastrous performance in the 62kg event. After turning up for competition in the wrong shirt, he pulled a muscle and was stretchered off the platform.