Elton Tucker, Assistant Sport Editor

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil:

MEMBERS OF Jamaica's contingent at the XV Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro are still seeking their first medal after six days of official competition.

Swimmer Alia Atkinson was out of luck in the women's 100 metres breaststroke final yesterday. Drawn in lane one, Atkinson, whose best time for the event is 1:10.95, finished eighth in 1:14.34. The gold medal went to American Michelle McKeehan in 1:08.49.

The majority of Jamaica's medals at any Games are usually won in track and field which does not begin until Sunday, but at the last Games the country won a gold and two bronze medals in badminton.

Swimmers struggled

Two other swimmers were also in action yesterday. Natasha Moodie placed eighth in semi-final two of the women's 200m freestyle. Her time, 2:12.68, placed her 15th overall.

Late yesterday evening, Brad Hamilton clocked 2:08.25 for seventh in his heat of the men's 200m butterfly and did not advance to the semi-finals. He was 17th overall.

Atkinson, Jamaica's top swimmer here, hinted that a very cool morning here yesterday (67 degrees Fahrenheit) and a medal ceremony just before the event could have contributed to her slow time.

Moodie will be in action today in the 100m freestyle while Atkinson competes in the 200m backstroke.

At the Rio de Janeiro Velodrome, Ricardo Lynch did not make the final six in the men's keirin. With three to advance from a five-rider heat two, Lynch finished close up but failed to make the final.

"We just did not have a good day today," cycling manager Vaughn Phang said after the event.

"Tactically, he moved a little too early and he has to learn from this on the road to the Olympics. I think what we need to do from here is to really get him back into Switzerland," Phang said. "He is already enrolled in the Olympic Solidarity programme at the World Centre for Cycling and the focus of that is Olympic qualification."

Equestrian today

Samatha Albert, Jamaica's first competitor in the equestrian event at the Pan American Games, bows into action today in Eventing. Albert, who is based in England, will ride the 12-year-old mare Before I Do It. Eventing is an equestrian event which comprises dressage, cross-country and showjumping. The three events are held over three consecutive days.

The women's basketballers will also see action for the first time when they face hosts Brazil in a match which starts at 10:00 p.m. here (8:00 p.m. Jamaican time).

Welterweight Ricardo Smith, one of two Jamaican boxers at the Games, will also getin the ring tonight. His opponent will be known early today after officials conduct the draw.

IN ACTION TODAY

BASKETBALL

Women

8:00 p.m: Jamaica vs Brazil

BOXING

5:45 p.m: Welterweight round of 16 - Ricardo Smith

EQUESTRIAN

7:00 a.m: Eventing (dressage) - Samantha Albert

SWIMMING

Women

5:01 p.m: 100m freestyle heats - Natasha Moodie

5:13 p.m: 200m breaststroke heats - Alia Atkinson

Note: The times listed are Jamaican.