Gymnast Behan eyeing up Ireland’s first medal in Baku

It’s Ireland’s busiest day yet in the boxing ring at the European Games in Baku – and the first Irish medal of the Games may arrive today at the Gymnastics Centre.

After posting the best result on the floor in Thursday’s individual all-around final, Kieran Behan will be one of the prime contenders in that discipline during today’s individual apparatus finals.

Behan’s routine is scheduled for around midday Irish time.

There are round of 16 fights at the Crystal Hall in boxing today for flyweight Myles Casey, lightweight Sean McComb, welterweight Adam Nolan and at super-heavy, Dean Gardiner.

Casey goes into the ring against home Azerbaijan favourite Elvin Mamishzada, while the rest all have to do battle with tough Italians. McComb faces Donato Cosenza, Wexford man Nolan’s opposition is in the form of Dario Moriello, and Gardiner goes in at 5.15pm Irish time against Guido Vianello.

Michaela Walsh started the day’s boxing action at bantamweight against Elena Saveleva of Russia, losing to a unanimous points decision.

Only one judge awarded the Irishwoman a round, as Walsh succumbed 40-36 40-36 39-37.

Caroline Ryan will be looking to improve on her 15th place finish from Wednesday’s time trial in today’s women’s cycling road race, while Ireland’s Darren Wallace is in the archery individual knockouts, starting against Italian David Pasqualucci in the last 64.