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Today’s best bets for television

U.S. gymnast Simone Biles competes on the vault during a qualification round Sunday.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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A look at the top events Thursday at the Rio Olympics:

Gymnastics

Tuesday was Simone Biles welcome-to-the-world party and Thursday will be her coronation. The U.S. women’s team established itself as a dominant force in gymnastics and every team needs a leader. That’s where Biles comes in. Along with Alexandra Raisman, Biles will attempt to win the all-around competition, where every gymnast must compete in all four disciplines. Expect the U.S. to have two spots on the medal stand.

Swimming

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Katie Ledecky may be the hot name, but Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte is the rivalry. They will square off for the last time in the 200 individual medley. Phelps is in better condition and will probably beat his teammate but it closes the book on a matchup that has thrilled swim fans for years. The only question about Ledecky is whether she will set a world record in the 800 freestyle qualifying and set another one in the final Friday.

Golf

It was supposed to be the new marquee event. Instead it became the home of derision as some of the world’s best golfers decided to pass on the Olympics. Many cited fears of the Zika virus, although insiders believe that an Olympic medal just wasn’t that important to some of the richest athletes in the world. The course is expected to be scenic with an abundance of wildlife, giving television the shots it craves.

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