World No 1 denies brave Howey gold

On another day of medal success for Britain, Kate Howey claimed silver medal today in the women's 75kg judo final.

However, Britain's long wait for their first Olympic judo gold continued after Howey failed to take her chance against Cuba's world No 1, Sibelis Veranes.

"I'm happy with a medal - especially silver," said Howey, after taking Britain's medal tally for the Games to nine - including two golds, five silvers and two bronzes.

The 27-year-old, from Andover in Hampshire, booked her place in the final with victory over Spain's Ursula Martin, and looked confident going into her final clash.

But after falling behind to an early manoeuvre from Veranes she failed to make up the ground.

Both fighters were penalised for being too defensive and although one brave effort seconds from the end of the four-minute bout almost had her opponent on her back, Veranes won by waza-ari - the second most effective throw in the sport.

Afterwards Howey looked tired but pleased with her medal which she can add to the bronze she won in the women's middleweight in Barcelona in 1992.