Workers raced to finish preparations for the Commonwealth Games as hundreds of athletes and team officials arrived in New Delhi today.

TWO more Australian athletes withdrew yesterday and a South African competitor reportedly found a snake in his room as complaints over cleanliness, security and construction continued to dog the troubled Commonwealth Games a week before the sporting event opens in New Delhi.

Two more Australian athletes withdrew today and a South African competitor reportedly found a snake in his room as complaints over cleanliness, security and construction continued to dog the troubled Commonwealth Games a week before the sporting event opens in New Delhi.

Indian organisers faced more embarrassment today as a boxer’s bed collapsed when he sat on it after moving into his accommodation at the Commonwealth Games athletes’ village.