THE president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, has warned the financial crisis poses a challenge for the London 2012 Olympics but is confident the Games will survive the test.

The Olympic flame approached the final destination of its long and sometimes contentious global tour today, greeted by rapturous crowds in the Chinese capital two days before it officially launches the games.

The Olympic torch arrived in San Francisco today amid increased security after the chaotic scenes in Paris and London.

International Olympic chiefs have declared their intention to join the fight against illegal betting on sports events.