Moment of truth as Guangzhou readies for Asian Games

GUANGZHOU, China — The Asian Games officially open with a glitzy gala ceremony on Friday, culminating years of planning for a massive event that is set to reinforce China's regional sporting dominance.The extravagenza heralds the most ambitious Asiad so far with more than 14,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries and territories angling for gold in 42 sports.The Games run until November 27, with hosts China heavily favoured to top the medal table, with South Korea and Japan battling for second place."After six years of hard work, I am pleased to announce that the preparatory work of the 16th Asian Games has been completed," said Guangzhou vice mayor Xu Ruisheng.Just as Beijing did before the 2008 Olympics, Guangzhou has poured billions of dollars into getting this sprawling southern metropolis ready.While Guangzhou does not have the glamour of Beijing and Shanghai, officials here are hoping the Games will help transform it into one of Asia's top destinations.In preparation, the city has embarked on several huge infrastructure projects -- a new rail station, a gleaming trade centre, subway lines, housing projects, highways and bridges.It has also constructed or renovated 70 sporting facilities.Security is a major focus, with more than 100,000 police officers on duty to keep it safe, along with hundreds of thousands of security guards and volunteers."As the Guangzhou Asian Games will have the most ever athletes, officials and reporters in the history of the Asian Games, the security work has been a great challenge," a statement from the Games security panel said."The security panel has adopted effective and necessary measures to ensure a safe Games. We have done our best to provide a safe and favorable environment for athletes, coaches, officials and audiences."It all kicks off with the opening ceremony in front of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at 1200 GMT.In a change to standard procedure the show, beamed to a television of audience of billions, will be held on an island in the Pearl River rather than a

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