BEIJING - OLYMPICS Games organisers could breathe easier on Friday after showers and a brisk breeze cleared haze that had blanketed China's capital, raising fears of risks to athletes' health.

Skies over Beijing were the same steel gray as past days, but the rains overnight cooled morning temperatures and swept away much of the fumes and dust.

Beijing Games officials have denied the haze is a pollution threat while also announcing emergency steps that will kick in if air pollution is bad during the Olympics starting in a week on Aug. 8.

The main worry, particulate matter from vehicles, factories and power plants, was at 'moderate' to 'good' levels at all measuring stations, after brushing levels considered unhealthy for sensitive people in past days.

The bureau forecast even better air for Friday, when thousands of athletes and Games officials begin pouring in.

The government has already taken half the capital's 3.3 million cars from streets - by banning vehicles with odd or even licence plate numbers on alternate days - and has shut many factories around the city.

Yet even when Beijing says the air is clear, athletes and their coaches may have cause for concern.

Most Chinese air pollution standards are outside World Health Organisation guidelines. The index Beijing uses to declare whether the air is safe uses a citywide average, meaning some hotspots may still be above unhealthy levels, and some hazardous pollutants are not included.

Beijing residents also speak of 'the autumn tiger' - bouts of hot, hazy weather that can strike even as summer recedes - that could bring back the haze.

Equestrian events host city Hong Kong was clear and mild on Friday after suffering two bad days of pollution earlier in the week. -- REUTERS