Games outlook improving in Delhi

The steady drip of individual athletes pulling out of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi has continued despite positive signs that organisers are getting to grips with the chaos that has plagued the last-minute preparations.

England's Russell Downing and Greg Henderson of New Zealand are the latest road cyclists to withdraw following four of their Team Sky colleagues on Thursday.

Their withdrawal contrasted with the Scotland team announcing their first athletes would fly out on Saturday, and England officials welcoming their first team members to the Indian capital. Any threat to the Games actually taking place has now disappeared.

England's 16-strong men's hockey squad and lawn bowlers moved into hotel-based accommodation on Friday ahead of moving into the village, which still needs much to be done in terms of cleaning and maintenance work, according to England chef de mission Craig Hunter.

"It was a boost to see the early group of athletes arrive and on schedule," said Mr Hunter.

Fears had been raised that the Games may be boycotted or cancelled due to "filthy" conditions in the athletes village, followed by the collapse of a bridge between a parking area and the main stadium and the partial collapse of a ceiling in the weightlifting arena.