Greeks to kindle backup torch as rain, protests threaten Beijing Olympic flame-lighting

One way or another, Beijing will get its Olympic flame.

In a final rehearsal at noon Sunday, a Greek actress in the white gown and sandals of a pagan high priestess will use the sun's rays to kindle the torch for the 2008 Olympics, among the ruins of the ancient games' birthplace.

That flame will be sent to China if storms forecast for Monday scuttle the official lighting ceremony, beside the 2,600-year-old Temple of Hera in ancient Olympia, southern Greece.

Clouds spoilt the ceremony for the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics and the last three winter games.

To be quite sure, a backup flame was lit at a rehearsal Saturday.

But bad …