RECENT RAINS CLEAN THE AIR

Another day of clear skies over Beijing has given Olympic Games
officials some confidence that air pollution won't spoil the world's
premier athletic event and grand opening.

Meteorologists said recent rain had washed away the city's smog -
alleviating organizer's concerns that contingency backup plans would
be need to be activated if the air quality further deteriorated.

Air conditions were described by visiting athletes last week as poor,
and there is still some anxiety as to how long the clear skies will last.