NEWS IN BRIEF 

The traditionally strong Rivne motorcyclists had to compete with rivals from Russia, Slovenia, and Latvia. Thousands of Rivne residents came to watch the competition at the local racecourse and the highly professional performance based on an uncompromising struggle for trophies left no one disappointed.

Unfortunately, the Ukrainian bikers failed to measure up. In fact, experts believe that their miserable performance is explained by the usual reason: lack of funds. This and the absence of Ukraine's top masters of the iron hog, such as Oleksandr Liatosynsky and Volodymyr Trofymov.

The Russian team won, the Slovenians placed second, and the Ukrainians finished last, reports Volodymyr KONIEV, The Day.

Getting Seventh Gold Took a Long Jump

The World University Games has ended in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, after seven days displaying practically all summer events, every athlete resolved to win in this most prestigious student competition.

The closing day saw Ukrainian competitors show an impressive performance, highlighting track and field Olena Shekhovisova proving the best in the long jump, chalking up 6 meters 92 cm. Her gold medal was the seventh the Ukrainian national team bagged.

Ukraine's swimmers won three medals: Denys Savhorodny took the 800 and 400 meter free-style bronze, and Ukraine's 4 x 200 meter relay squad pocketed a silver, the first such attainment at this level ever. And the basketball tournament also promised a dramatic turn of events with the Yugoslav national facing off against the US. The athletes and spectators should be given their due: no unpleasant accidents during the game and the latter proved a fair if pitched battle, with the Americans winning. As did the US girls in the finals, beating Spain. The host country's team placed fifth in the overall standing, with the first three slots occupied by the US, Russia, and Cuba. The Ukrainian national team came in seventh with 7 silver and 9 bronze medals, reports Kyrylo STADNYCHENKO, The Day.