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ELDORET, Kenya -- Olympic champion David Rudisha was beaten into third place in the 800 meters at the Kenyan trials on Friday but the world-record holder was still selected to defend his title in Rio de Janeiro.Rudisha finished behind former world junior champion Alfred Kipketer and Ferguson Rotich, who is Rudishas nemesis this year. Those two took the two automatic places in the 800, leaving Rudisha to fill the selectors wild-card pick. Officials said before the trials that they would pick Rudisha no matter what.Still, the defeat continues a sluggish buildup to Rio for the Olympic and world champion, who also had two mediocre performances in the Diamond League.Rudisha produced one of the memorable Olympic performances when he broke the world record at the 2012 London Games but he has now been beaten three times this season by Rotich.The top two finishers in each event at the trials qualify for Kenyas team automatically, and officials can select a third athlete as they see fit.Rudisha wasnt the only big name to be surprised at the trials, a notoriously tough event for the favorites with dozens of contenders in the worlds top distance running nation.On Thursday, 2012 Olympic silver medalist Sally Kipyego failed to qualify in the womens 10,000, and Olympic bronze medalist Thomas Longosiwa missed out in the mens 5,000.In the famous high-altitude running town of Eldoret, Rudisha trailed in fifth at the final turn and was forced wide to get a clear run down the straight. He only just claimed third.Two-time Olympic 3,000 steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi also finished third at the trials but knew he was already assured of a place at the Rio Games. Former Olympic champion Brimin Kipruto and Conseslus Kipruto also qualified in the steeplechase.Reigning world champions Asbel Kiprop in the 1,500 meters, Julius Yego in the javelin, Nicholas Bett in the 400 hurdles, and Vivian Cheruiyot all made Kenyas team, with Cheruiyot targeting a 5,000-10,000 double at the Olympics. Seattle Mariners Gear .com) - Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Roger Federer were easy first-round winners Tuesday at the Australian Open. Fake Mariners Jerseys . Francis told several hundred members of the European Olympic Committees that when sport "is considered only in economic terms and consequently for victory at every cost . https://www.cheapmariners.com/ . And when it opened, every player was at his stall. Thats a sure sign that a team is in a slump and is searching for answers. "Its embarrassing to be at home and play the way we did," said defenceman Josh Gorges. Cheap Mariners Jerseys . Note: The Calgary Flames announced Tuesday that Sean Monahan would not be made available to Canadas World Junior team. Custom Seattle Mariners Jerseys .com) - The Montreal Canadiens embark on their first road trip of the season as they head out west to battle the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night.NASHVILLE -- Seth Jones jersey already is setting Nashvilles first-round draft pick apart from the other prospects at the Predators annual development camp. Jones, selected by the Predators with the fourth overall pick in the June 30 draft, stepped onto the ice with his preferred No. 3 sewn on the back of practice jersey. Many of the other campers sported the much higher numbers typically given to prospects who are years away from reaching the NHL. Jones is only 18 years old, but the Predators are going to give the 6-foot-4 defenceman every opportunity to make Nashvilles season-opening roster. "Hes a young man, who you can tell at 18-years-old, hes got lots of poise and polish and moves pretty well," Predators coach Barry Trotz said. "Hes a foundation-type player who will be a foundation-type for us for a number of years." Jones joined other Predators prospects on an early-morning track workout at nearby Vanderbilt University in the oppressive Tennessee heat and humidity. He then got on the ice for a practice session that consisted mostly of power skating drills. "It was pretty intense," Jones said. "It was good to get back on the ice and learn from some of the coaches who are here." Jones was the top player on the NHL Central Scoutings final listt of North American skaters eligible for the 2013 draft.dddddddddddd The Predators happily took him after the Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning drafted forwards instead. Jones already has Tennessee roots. Hes the son of former NBA forward Popeye Jones, who was born and raised in the west Tennessee town of Dresden. Popeye Jones played in the NBA from 1993-2004. This weeks development camp is his first on-ice audition for the coaching and management staffs of the Predators at their practice facility. After one season with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League, Jones hopes that his junior hockey days are behind him. Jones also was a member of the U.S. team that won gold in the 2013 World Junior Championships. "I have been asked whether he can play for our team this year," Predators general manager David Poile said last week. "Our scouts feel he can. The hockey world feels he can." Leading the players on the ice Tuesday was Scott Nichol, who was named Nashvilles director of player development last month after ending a 20-season pro playing career this spring. Trotz wasnt on the ice with the players Tuesday, but he was present and stood close to the boards to watch the prospects who hope to play for him one day. ' ' '