[Asian Games] Typhoon feared to cause rainouts at Asian Games

Some outdoor events at the Asian Games may be rained out later this week as a powerful typhoon is approaching South Korea, organizers said Tuesday.

   Typhoon Fung-Wong, packing winds of up to 14 meters per second, is expected to bring up to 60 millimeters of rain Wednesday to this western port city where the Asiad is held, according to local weather officials.

  "The organizing committee plans to run events in accordance with international regulations governing (weather-related delays)," said a committee official.

   Most of the outdoor games will not be affected by the rain, organizing committee officials said. Field events such as football and hockey, as well as rowing and beach volleyball will start as scheduled despite downpours.

   However, baseball games will be temporarily delayed under heavy rains, the officials said, adding that those affected games will be re-scheduled for the days when there are no other games. South Korea is slated to face Chinese Taipei at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

   Cycling is one of the events that will be most affected by weather, the officials said.

   All track cycling events at Incheon International Velodrome in the northern part of the city will be immediately canceled with even sprinkles of rain, they said. Rain during track events could hurt the riders, the officials said, adding that the events will be postponed until the following day.

   Rain and wind are part of sailing, but events will be canceled under severe conditions such as extremely strong winds or high waves as they can create unsafe conditions for competitors, the officials said.

   South Korea is scheduled to participate in the women's omnium race and both the men's and women's sprint individual events on Wednesday.  (Yonhap)