IOC President Jacques Rogge gave a thumbs-up to Beijing's preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games on Tuesday when he was invited to attend British Olympic Association's centenary celebrations.

"Their work are excellent, we are very pleased by that," he said. "I am sure the Beijing Olympic Games will be a complete success."

Rogge also expects a close bidding race for the 2012 Olympics, saying: "I do not expect many votes difference between one and two."

The IOC is to decide in Singapore on July 6 whether to hand the2012 summer games to London, Madrid, Moscow, New York or Paris -- with the French capital the bookies' favorite.

Rogge met earlier Tuesday with British prime minister Tony Blair who, according to the IOC chief, "emphasized the full support of the government" behind London's bid.

"He said he would try to go to Singapore, but he has to be (back in Britain) in time for the G8 summit" which opens July 6 at the Gleneagles resort in Scotland.

"He is a sports fan. It is his decision, but we would be honored if he would be there," Rogge said.

Asked if Blair's presence in Singapore would make a difference to London's hopes, Rogge said: "Everything makes a difference."

"The games are too big to work alone. We'd need the support of public authorities, business and government," he added.

"It is going to be a close race. For the IOC, that is a very comfortable position to be in, because whoever wins it will produce a great games."

(China Daily via agencies May 25, 2005)