BEIJING DOWNPLAY POLLUTION FEARS

Beijing officials have once again sought to dismiss fears over pollution ahead of the Olympics amid increasing concerns over air quality in the Chinese capital. With 45 days to go until the Games, China remain firm in their belief that they can deliver a "Green Olympics" after placing restrictions on motor vehicles, construction and heavy industry in Beijing. However, many associations remain sceptical over whether targets will be met. Track and field athletes from Australia and New Zealand will prepare for the Games in Hong Kong - with Australia's endurance competitors training in Japan - while Canada will base themselves in Singapore ahead of the athletics events which begin on August 15, in the second week of the event. Those athletes will miss the opening ceremony on August 8, departing for Beijing at the last possible... [read full story]