A day after doping row cast a dark shadow London Olympics were hit by match-fixing scandal as the World Badminton Federation charged eight female players with the allegation. But it had little impact on the athletes who are busy reaping the reward for their years of hard works. 
 
Royal rumour and how’s your father
A royal rumour sent a media conference into a hush of anticipation on Tuesday as proceedings were halted due to a long-distance telephone call. Thai weightlifter Pimsiri Sirikaew, fresh from taking the silver medal in the women’s 58kg, took a phone call that delayed her arrival to face the world media at ExCeL and word went out that the caller was none other than the King of Thailand. Media conference manager at the venue, Katherine Dover, told reporters the reason for the delay in the conference starting.  When Sirikaew eventually made an appearance, a reporter was quick to put a question: ‘Which is more nerve-wracking, competing at the Olympic Games or talking to the King of Thailand?
‘That wasn’t the king of Thailand,’ the silver medallist replied. ‘It was my dad.’
 
Barbecue beckons weight watchers
South African lightweight rower Sizwe (better known as Lawrence) Ndlovu is looking forward to the day when he can start eating again and not have to worry about keeping his weight down to a modest 70kg. The rower is so keen to feast again that he has generously offered to host a barbecue for all his competitors should South Africa win a medal in Thursday’s final.  Guest of honour would be Olympian weight watcher Eskild Ebbesen, who is revered by the lightweight rowing community after winning three Olympic gold medals and one bronze in the previous games.