Thailand eye top spot as Games open

The 25th Southeast Asian Games opened in Vientiane Wednesday with powerhouse Thailand eyeing another gold rush and officials hoping for an event free from accusations of biased judging. Athletes from the 11 nations competing poured into the new 20,000-seat stadium before Laos President Choummaly Sayasone declared the Games open, accompanied by a burst of fireworks. Athletes are competing in 28 disciplines at the 10-day biennial showpiece with Myanmar and Vietnam setting the early pace in the Laos capital with two golds apiece.

But the main action at the SEA Games starts Thursday with the first batch of swimming finals, while athletics does not get under way until Sunday. AFP