After hog ruling controversy

much-needed win, with an extra-end victory over Italy.

A Russian curling medal winner is suspected of having tested positive for a banned substance in what would be a major blow to the country’s efforts to emerge from the doping scandal.

Alexander Krushelnitsky won mixed doubles bronze with his wife, Anastasia Bryzgalovoy, but traces of meldonium – the same drug that led to tennis star Maria Sharapova receiving a ban – were found in his urine, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Martin Fourcade won the 15km mass start biathlon by mere millimetres but history books will show that the gold medal made him France’s greatest Olympian, regardless of the margin of victory.

Yesterday’s win, in a photo finish after a furious sprint and desperate lunge against Germany’s Simon Schempp, makes him the only French athlete to win four Olympic golds. Four years

ago Fourcade was locked in a similar battle on the final straight with Emil Hegle Svendsen, who took bronze in this race, and came up just short, but in Sunday’s sprint he was not to be denied.

“I gave everything I had,” Fourcade said. “I’m so satisfied because I was second eight years ago in Vancouver in the mass start, I was second four years ago and today I finally win this competition, so I’m really proud.

“But also I was in the place of Simon four years ago so I will stay really humble.”