Volleyball: Golden chance gone for US champ

By SUZANNE McFADDEN

While Kiwi beach volleyballers Tom Eade and Craig Seu Seu hang on to a faint hope of getting to Sydney at the final qualification event in Belgium today, a volleyball legend is painfully waving goodbye to his chance.

Triple Olympic gold medallist Karch Kiraly wanted to be only the third American to win gold at four different Games - joining athletes Al Oerter and Carl Lewis on the esteemed list.

But yesterday the defending Olympic beach champion pulled his right shoulder out of its socket and ruled himself out of the tournament.

That could jeopardise his chance of qualifying - and even if he made it, the severity of his injury could stop him playing.

The New Zealanders have survived three rounds of qualifying in Belgium, but they would have to finish at least fourth in the main competition today to make the Olympic 24.

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