By David Isaacson and Larry Lombaard
Sydney - Olympic medals proved elusive for South Africa as the world's greatest sporting spectacular kicked off for real in Sydney on Saturday.
While much hope was pinned on distance swimmer Ryk Neethling in the men's 400m freestyle, he produced a flat performance that belied his world No 3 ranking.
The highly-vaunted men's 4x100m freestyle relay team of Roland Schoeman, Brendon Dedekind, Nic Folker and Terence Parkin also failed to qualify for the final.
Cyclist Garen Bloch finished a credible eighth in the men's 1000m time trial; Lizel Moore ended 30th in the women's triathlon and judoka Tania Tallie lost her opening-round match to China's Shunxin Zhao.
In probably the best performance of the day, Brett Petersen powered his way into the men's 100m breaststroke final with an African record in the evening semifinals.
And Johannesburg-based Mandy Loots twice broke the continental 100m butterfly mark, but she was still not fast enough to secure a final spot.
In other sports, shottist Frans Swart is seven targets off the pace in the men's trap going into Sunday's last qualification round and final.
Archers Jill Borreson and Kirstin Lewis both drew tough first-round opponents after their ranking round on Saturday, facing the former and current European champions in their round of 32 matches on Sunday.
While Neethling was bitterly disappointed with his effort, swimming coach Wayne Riddin warned not to write off the United States-based psychology and business student in his preferred 1 500m freestyle event later in the week.
"You can't judge him for the 1500m on this performance," Riddin commented afterwards. "I don't think Ryk's mind was properly on this race.
"But we've had a good day with three South African records with Brett and Mandy."
Petersen was more chuffed with qualifying for Sunday's final than he was with his new record of 1min:01,42secs.
"I've had three Olympic goals. I wanted to qualify for the semifinals and then the finals. My third is to try and get a medal."
On Sunday, Penny Heyns will start the defence of her 100m breaststroke title, with compatriot Sarah Poewe trying to secure a final spot.
Parkin will return to the pool for the 400m individual medley, although he is not really considered a serious medal contender here.
Conrad Stoltz will make his medal bid in the triathlon in the morning, while the rowers will begin their quest in the heats of the men's and women's coxless pairs.
SA's three teams - soccer, hockey and baseball - could face a black Sunday.
Amaglug-glug meet Brazil in a key under-23 clash in Brisbane; Karen Roberts and her team meet Germany in their tournament opener; and the baseballers take on defending champions Cuba. - Sapa