London and Beijing: Paula Radcliffe's chances of running in the Olympic Games marathon are looking up after it was confirmed she will fly to the British team's holding camp on Sunday.

She will be among the team members who fly from London to the preparation base in Macau. That news suggests the world marathon record holder is recovering well from a stress fracture of the femur which occurred just over two months ago.

Radcliffe began her bid for fitness by cross-training in the gymnasium and swimming pool before gradually returning to running. Four years ago, Radcliffe dropped out of the Olympic marathon and later the 10,000metres final and she is determined to atone for those disappointments.

The main advantage for Radcliffe of being with the squad in Macau will be the opportunity to use the outstanding medical facilities.

Internet restrictions hamper coverage

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday denied knowing in advance of China's plans to restrict the Internet for foreign media and said it was pushing for curbs to be lifted.

With just over a week to go before the Games open, journalists from overseas were unable to access several websites.

IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies said, "The IOC holds regular discussions with BOCOG on providing the media with the kind of Internet access and facilities they need to report on the Games," Davies told AFP. "They have always made clear that some websites would be an issue, and we're working with them to ensure media face the minimum possible restrictions."