Wpo: Beadsworth bound for Beijing after averting visa crisis

AAP General News (Australia)
08-06-2008
Wpo: Beadsworth bound for Beijing after averting visa crisis

BEIJING, Aug 6 AAP - Australian water polo player Jamie Beadsworth averted a last-minute
crisis when a visa problem meant he faced being left behind while team-mates flew to
Beijing for the Olympics.

As the team prepared to board a flight from their training base in Singapore, it was
discovered the number on Beadsworth's Games accreditation pass did not match his passport
number as it should.

An athlete's accreditation for the Games also acts as their visa to enter China, and
Singapore immigration officials were reluctant to allow him to board the flight because
of the discrepancy.

But Australian deputy chef de mission in Beijing Peter Montgomery said team staff managed
to resolve the issue with Olympic organisers and the Singapore immigration department.

A water polo team spokesman confirmed Beadsworth had boarded the flight and was due
to arrive in Beijing at 2:40pm local time (1640 AEST).

AAP vm/nh

KEYWORD: OLY08 WPO AUS

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