• London Olympics 2012

Phelps and Lochte humbled in the pool

France celebrate winning relay gold © PA Photos

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Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte suffered defeat as France claimed a shock relay gold as world records tumbled in the swimming pool.

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Lochte, who dethroned Phelps to claim gold in the 400m individual medley on Saturday, joined forces with his team-mate with USA favourites for gold in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay.

It was billed as a straight shootout between USA and Australia for gold, but a stunning final leg from Yannick Agnel secured surprise win for the French as the Americans were forced to settle for silver. Russia took bronze as Australia finished fourth.

Cameron van der Burgh claimed South Africa's first medal of London 2012 as he powered to gold in the 100m breaststroke. Van der Burgh, the 50m world record holder, clocked 58.46 seconds to claim victory ahead of Australia's Christian Sprenger and American Brendan Hansen who claimed bronze.

There was also a world record for American Dana Vollmer, who destroyed the field to claim gold in the women's 100m butterfly in a time of 55.98. Lu Ying of China takes silver and bronze goes to Australia's Alicia Coutts. Team GB's Ellen Gandy finishes eighth.

Earlier in the day, Kim Rhode became the first US athlete to win medals in individual events at five consecutive Olympics when winning the women's skeet.

China's Guo Wenjun retained her 10m air pistol shooting title, while her compatriots Wu Minxia and He Zi won gold in the women's springboard synchro at the Aquatics Centre.

In women's judo (-52kg), North Korean Kum Ae An took home the ultimate prize by beating Yanet Bermay of Cuba with a Yuko golden score. While in the men's -66kg event, Lasha Shavadatuashvili grabbed gold for Georgia.

Zulfiya Chinshanlo of Kazakhstan broke her own world record and snatched gold by lifting 131kg in the women's 53kg weightlifting.

South Korea claimed their seventh successive gold medal since the introduction of the archery team event in 1998 with a thrilling 210-209 win over China. Japan rallied late on, taking 28 from their final three arrows, to secure bronze.

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