Olympics: What to expect on day 10

Valerie Adams will attempt to defend her shot put title on Tuesday morning. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A look towards day 10 of the 2012 London Olympics and which New Zealand athletes will be competing.

Kiwis in action - See when our athletes compete

Athletics:
Instead of starting in chronicle let's begin with the most important event tomorrow morning when Dame Valerie Adams (knighthood pending) attempts to defend her Olympic title. Belarusian rival Nadzeya Ostapchuk is expected to be the only real challenge for Adams when finals action begins at 6.15am. Look for New Zealand to have a fourth Olympic gold wrapped up by 7.15am. Adams throws in the qualifying tonight at 9.45am.

Meanwhile Lucy Van Dalen looks to emulate male counterpart Nick Willis by reaching the 1500m final. Her Olympics campaign begins at 10.50pm with the heats.

Hockey:
The Black Sticks face off against Germany in another crucial pool match at 7.20pm. A win or a draw and they're guaranteed a spot in the semifinals. If they lose they'll need Australia to fall to Argentina by more goals than them.

Canoe sprint:
Now that the rowers have left Eton Dorney it's time for the canoes and kayaks to race up the track. Former world champion Ben Fouhy competes in the K1 1000m heats at 8.38pm with the semis 80 minutes later. Darryl Fitzgerald and Steven Ferguson also race on day one in the K2 1000m with their heat at 9.26pm and possible semi at 10.30pm.

Sailing:
Just three New Zealand crews in action on day 10. Andrew Murdoch is in the laser medal race at 1am but sits 19 points off bronze so will need results to go his way in the double points finale. The men's 470 of Jason Saunders and Paul Snow-Hansen race at 11pm and are currently in a battle for bronze with four races and the medal race remaining. While the men's 49er crew of Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, second after 13 of 16 races, compete at 2am where they'll look to catch ground on the first placed Australian crew.

Boxing:
Alexis Pritchard fights second seed Sofva Ochigava of Russia at 2.15am. A victory and the lightweight boxer will be guaranteed a bronze at least.

Track cycling:
Joanne Kiesanowski is the only New Zealander on the velodrome tomorrow with the women's omnium beginning from 3.08am with the 250m flying lap. There is also the 20km points race and the elimination race on day one.

Basketball:
The USA take on Argentina in their final group match at 9.15am.

Medal chances:
Just one medal chance on day 10 but it's a golden one as Adams looks to become just the second New Zealand track and field athlete to defend their Olympic title after Peter Snell in the 800m in 1964.

- HERALD ONLINE