BEIJING // The Norwegian female handball team has won its first Olympic gold medal, beating Russia 34-27. Norway rushed to an 8-1 lead after just eight minutes and remained well ahead for the rest of the match. Russia briefly rallied toward the end of the first half to make it 18-13 but Norway came out strongly after the break, ending any chance of a comeback. Neither Norway nor Russia has ever won a gold medal in women's handball.
*AP
