Wednesday's Olympic Highlights

ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Wednesday's highlights at the Olympics:

-- With the opening ceremonies two days away, the Olympic competition got underway with eight soccer matches. The American women shut out Greece in their opener, 3-0.

-- Serena Williams, who won a gold medal at the 2000 Games, withdrew from the tennis competition. She cited continued soreness in her left knee.

-- Justine Henin-Hardenne and Roger Federer were named the No. 1 seeds in the tennis tournament, which begins on Sunday.

-- American sprinter Torri Edwards, who had been one of the favorites for the 100-meter gold medal, was suspended for two years because of a positive drug test. Her place on the American 100-meter squad will be taken by three-time gold medalist Gail Devers.

-- The Olympic flame arrived in the Athens area. It will be carried to the Acropolis on Thursday and then to the Olympic Stadium on Friday.

-- Four soccer games are on the schedule for Thursday with the highlight attraction being the Iraq-Portugal contest. It will be the first appearance by Iraqi athletes at an Olympics in 16 years.