Van der Burgh offers SA medal hope

Cape Town - Cameron van der Burgh offers Team SA their first shot at a medal after two days of competition in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Van der Burgh will compete in the final of the men's 100m breaststroke at 03:53 (SA time) on Monday morning.

Van der Burgh, after posting the seventh-fastest time in the heats (59.35), was third-fastest in the semi-finals (59.21).

However, Van der Burgh will have his work cut for him should he wish to defend his title from London four years ago.

Standing in his way is the world record holder, Great Britain's Adam Peaty, who posted a blistering 57.55 in his heat, followed by a 57.62 in the semi-finals - comfortably faster the second-quickest, American Cody Miller (59.05).

Leading SA bookmakers Sportingbet have installed Peaty as an overwhelming 1/100 favourite, while Miller and Van der Burgh are next best at 25/1.

Stay glued to www.sport24.co.za for all the latest swimming action from Rio.