体坛英语新闻：Two torch designs shortlisted for Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games

GUANGZHOU, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Two torch designs entitled The Tide and Exploit have been shortlisted for the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games after rounds of selection, the organizing committee said.

    The Tide is tall and straight in terms of shape while dynamic in terms of image. The upper part of the exterior of the torch is pierced with Guangzhou's delicate ivory carving techniques. The pierced part looks like rising and flowing flames; the solid part looks like flowing water-symbolizing spirits of the Lingnan culture such as inclusiveness and innovation.

    The exterior of the torch is in the distinctive reddish color of the flower of bombax ceiba, the flower emblem of Guangzhou, embodying the power and passion of life. The overall style of 'The Tide' is in line with the Emblem and Pictograms of the Games.

    Exploit has been designed with elements of the Games' symbols and core patterns, featuring the color of orange, a major color representing the Games.

    The torch comprises of two parts - a silvery white shell with arising and dynamic image and an orange inner container covered by the shell. From the bottom to top of an upright Exploit, thin orange curves gradually become broader, symbolizing the Pearl River flowing into the sea and extending from inland areas to the ocean and the world. The image highlights spirits of the Lingnan culture in Guangdong Province such as inclusiveness, innovation and progressiveness.

    The Official Website of the 16th Asian Games (www.gz2010.cn/en) will host a public poll in which people can vote for their favorite torch design. GAGOC will make the final decision between the two, taking into account the poll results and opinions of Games' experts.