Jade Jones's hopes of a third successive taekwondo gold at the Olympics end at the first hurdle.

Jade Jones's hopes of a third successive taekwondo gold at the Olympics have ended at the first hurdle in a major shock in Tokyo.

The 28-year-old was bidding to become the first person in the history of the sport to earn three consecutive gold medals at the Olympics, having previously triumphed in London and Rio, and was a hot favourite to achieve the feat.

Jones lost out in her first round, however, with a 16-12 defeat to 23-year-old Kimia Alizadeh of the Olympic Refugee Team on Sunday morning.

Alizadeh came into the contest having previously won the bronze medal at Rio 2016 while representing Iran - and having serendipitously earned her tie with Jones by defeating an Iranian athlete in the qualifying round.

Jones started the encounter well, winning the first round 6-4, but left the hall in a state of shock after losing the following two 6-2 6-4.

Team GB's best hopes of a taekwondo medal now rest with Jones's flatmate Bianca Walkden - bronze medallist from Rio - who is in action on Tuesday. body check tags ::

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