KHALID A-H ANSARI IN BEIJING

According to reports doing the rounds here and telecast by BBC and CNN, clips of the spectacular Opening Ceremony fireworks seen by over a billion viewers around the world, were digitally enhanced.

A Games official confirmed yesterday that pre-recorded footage of the pyrotechnics at the Bird's Nest national stadium was distributed to TV networks because of weather conditions that prevailed on the evening of the ceremony.

It also now transpires that the charming girl in red, who sang a patriotic song at the Opening, did not sing but lip-synced (mimed) to the voice of another girl who, although "not as pretty" is said to be "proud" her voice was used at the opening.

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Eight pro-Tibet activists were arrested by Beijing police yesterday, as they were about to unfurl a Tibetan flag.
The seven Americans and a Japanese tourist were held in custody for half an hour before being released. They will be deported today.

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DIGITALLY ENHANCED: A Games official confirmed that pre-recorded footage of  pyrotechnics at the Bird's Nest national stadium was distributed to TV networks because of weather conditions

Row upon empty row greets spectators at various venues at the Beijing Games.

This situation is difficult to comprehend considering the pre-Games 'sold out' signs for tickets in many countries abroad that disappointed sports fans who were more than willing to incur considerable expenditure to witness the greatest show on earth.

According to Games organisers, corporate sponsors are to blame since seats allotted to them are not being utilised for the less popular events at some venues, especially at the present preliminary stage.

On the other hand, scalpers, never ones to miss an opportunity to make a quick buck, are raking it in at popular events.

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American swimmer Michael Phelps yesterday became what the Americans describe (as only they can!) as the "winningest" athlete of all time when claiming his fifth gold medal of the Games, all of which came while setting world records.

His golds in the 200m butterfly and 4 X 200m freestyle relay took his tally of career golds to 11, ahead of legendary athletes Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis (both USA), Finn Paavo Nurmi and Russian Larysa Latynina.
Phelps' 200m record came despite water getting into his goggles. The wunderkind said after the race he could have registered a faster time but for the mishap.
 
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A 27-year old Australian journalist has been rushed to Hong Kong after suffering from heat stress during the Olympics. Twenty-seven year old Matthew Hill reportedly fell ill with heat exhaustion on the hot and humid day after the opening ceremony.

He appeared to have recovered after hydration but his condition deteriorated rapidly which led to him being placed in induced coma because of aggressive pneumonia in his lungs. The hospital in Hong Kong reportedly has the special equipment that Hill's serious condition requires.