Papers detail pre-Olympic gloom

Two of Greece's sporting stars missing a drugs test has thrown the country into deep gloom ahead of the Olympic Games, the Daily Telegraph says.

Two hundred metre gold medallist Kostas Kenteris was expected to light the Olympic flame in the opening ceremony.

But, the Guardian believes, he is instead fighting to save his career.

Before the news broke, the papers were looking ahead to the games' launch. The Independent says the celebrations will be the most spectacular ever.

Knowing locals

As the greatest show on earth arrives, the Daily Express has been sampling the mood on the streets.

Fears nothing would be ready on time have been replaced by the grins of locals who knew it would, it says.

Peter Mandelson's naming as EU trade commissioner completes his spectacular return to front line politics, the Daily Mail says.

But most praise goes to Commission President Jose Barroso. The Financial Times says he is a master tactician.

No rebellion

When he handed out portfolios, the paper says, he denied big member states the jobs they really wanted.

But he gave them sufficiently important posts to quell any early rebellion.

The Independent's front page is dominated by a report of an interview with the BBC's recently-appointed chairman Michael Grade.

The paper reports he has ordered an independent review of the corporation's finances to make sure the licence fee is not wasted.

Bunny burner

With the BBC's charter coming up for renewal, Mr Grade tells the paper the governors are determined to respond to criticism of financial controls.

The Telegraph tells of a rabbit that got revenge after accidentally being set alight by a cricket club's bonfire.

It bolted for safety with its tail still on fire and took refuge in a groundsman's hut.

Shortly afterwards, that too caught fire, destroying £60,000 worth of equipment inside.