USA eights squad reaches Olympic final

LONDON, July 29 (UPI) -- The women's eights squad from the United States earned a spot in the Olympic finals Sunday in a bid to capture a second straight gold medal.

With five rowers still competing from the team that won the gold in China four years ago, the Americans took their heat in the time of 6:14.68 -- more than 4 seconds in front of the second-place Australians.

Canada won the second heat and also qualified for the finals.

The American lightweight fours team won its heat in Sunday's repechage, putting that group into the semifinals.