Oscar targets third gold

Beijing - South Africa's sprint sensation Oscar "Blade Runner" Pistorius was aiming for his third gold of the Beijing Paralympics on Tuesday as host nation China neared the 200-medal mark.

Pistorius, already the 100m and 200m champion in his class, will start Tuesday evening's 400m final as hot favourite in what is likely to be a packed "Bird's Nest" National Stadium for the final full day of events.

"I'm really looking forward to the 400m. If those two races, if it goes like that, then I'll be extremely happy," said Pistorius, referring to his earlier wins.

The 21-year-old is the world record holder in his category in all three events.

Nicknamed after the carbon fibre blades he wears, Pistorius won a court battle to take part in the Olympics and has proved himself a strong competitor against able-bodied athletes.

He eventually failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, blaming in part the distraction of his court battle, but he is targeting the London 2012 Games.