Dublin, Ireland, June 26: Unlike Wimbledon, the Australians didn't get knocked out in the first round and the team from Great Britain looked like they might go all the way. In Dublin, Ireland tennis players from around the world are demonstrating their sporting skills. The games, which began on saturday after an impressive opening ceremony at Croke Park, are enjoying good weather. For the athletes with learning disabilities taking part there is constant fun and excitement. In the tennis, Britain's hopes lie with a well-trained team and as Andrew McLellan proved on wednesday (June 25) they are capable of staging a comeback during a match, in true British style. Sixteen-year-old McLellan played Luis Torres from Panama and managed to recover after trailing a game throughout the set and eventually took the match. Tennis matches in Special Olympics have slightly different rules and only one set is played. Players are matched against opponents of their own abilities.

Great Britain's coach Chris Lum explained that the athletes need careful and considerate tutoring with their game but that it was very rewarding. "Although the players really want to win, they also respect their opponents a lot more than in normal matches. You don't get that here. It's more special these games", the British coach said.

Australia's tennis team got off to a good start in the men's singles too, with several wins on wednesday (June 25). Radoslav Cosic was dominant in his match against Jose Sanabria of Paraguay.

But the important and rewarding thing about the Special Olympics is that players enjoy being in the limelight and having fun, whether they win or lose. There are no Wimbledon type tantrums or throwing of rackets, but camaraderie and excitement as well as a degree of healthy competition.

Cosic was quietly confident about his performance over the course of the tournament. "Yeah, the next matches, hopefully, might be too tight, might be close (his next matches) I'm hoping to win that one (them) too", he said after his win.

Amongst the many venues in Dublin hosting the Special Olympics is the new and impressive National Aquatics Centre, northwest of the city. Completely especially in time for the World Games, the venue was brimming with excitement on wednesday (June 25).

In the women's 25-metre backstroke Japan's Tae Takudo performed well and won a silver medal. The shy 17-year-old, who finished in 42.71 seconds trains in the pool every day and this, enables her to feel more confident.

Lee Sze-Mai May of Hong Kong sneaked in to take the bronze medal in her division of the 50-metre backstroke. Her coach Tat Cheung Clement Wa said he was thrilled that the team finally made it to the games after all the uncertainty with SARS.

Swimmer Lee Sze-Mai May said: "I am very happy be here, the people are nice here, I have made some new friends". This is the first time this major event has been held outside of the United States and it is the largest sporting event in the world this year so far. The Special Olympics World Summer Games 2003 includes Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Cycling, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Roller-skating, Sailing, Table Tennis, Tennis, Team Handball, and Volleyball. Events will continue until Sunday June 29 when it will end with a closing ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin.

Bureau Report