1.   It ranks with Boulder, Colo., and Eugene, Ore., as prime destinations for world class runners.

2.   In other events, world champion distance runner Wang Junxia had a disappointing day.

3.   Villeneuve has joined the Williams-Renault team this year as teammate of two-time world championship runner up Damon Hill of Britain.

4.   Villeneuve has joined the Williams-Renault team this year as teammate of two-time world championship runner up Hill, who was second fastest Thursday.

5.   Athletics watchers are already dubbing him the greatest runner the world has ever seen.

6.   World record runner Wang Junxia and Olympic champions such as swimmer Lin Li, gymnast Li Xiaoshuang and diver Fu Mingxia will be the star Chinese turns.

7.   The first large contingent of Chinese athletes, including many of their world champion runners and swimmers, are due in Hiroshima on Wednesday.