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Torch relay a cakewalk in Macau

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There was no doubt that the Olympic torch was firmly in China yesterday.

While there were minor protests during the Hong Kong leg of the relay on Friday, it was all smooth sailing in Macau.

Mainlanders appeared to outnumber locals at many spots along the 19km relay route, with tourists holding souvenir almond cakes with one hand and waving red flags with the other.

Relay organisers said a quarter of a million people gathered to watch the event - the last leg before the Olympic flame enters the mainland - in a city of just half a million.

The relay started at 3.30pm from Fisherman's Wharf and the torch was carried by 120 torch-bearers past Unesco-listed heritage buildings, modern facades and new casino resorts before returning to the wharf.

Gamblers took a rare breather from the baccarat tables to come out and shout 'bravo China' as torch-bearers ran past the casinos.

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