The chances of Beijing hosting the 2008 Olympics appeared to increase today when the International Olympic Committee expressed "confidence" that the city could organise an excellent Games.
Toronto and Paris also received ringing endorsements from the IOC but Istanbul and Osaka were virtually ruled out because of concerns about poor economic conditions and infrastructure, respectively.
In the conclusion of their evaluations into the candidate cities today, the IOC described China's bid as "a combination of a good sports concept with complete Government support" resulting in "a high quality bid".
A statement claimed: "A Beijing Games would leave a unique legacy to China and to sport."
China would be an overwhelming favourite but for concerns about human rights in the country.
The IOC statement added: "The commission notes the process and pace of change taking place in China and Beijing and the possible challenges caused by population and economic growth in the period leading up to 2008, but is confident that these challenges can be met."
Canada, which last hosted the Summer Games in 1976 in Montreal, is a strong candidate and stands to benefit should China not win the Games for political reasons. PA