European scientists have confirmed the identity of the Sars virus in a key step towards finding drugs to fight it, but anxiety in Hong Kong was unabated today as a doctor said two of the three babies born to Sars-infected mothers were in a critical condition.

The opening ceremony of the World Athletics Championships was followed by the men’s marathon which was won by Gezahenge Abera of Ethiopia in a time of two hours, 12 minutes and 42 seconds.