Rome out of race to host 2020 Olympics

Rome has dropped out of the race to host the 2020 Olympics and in doing so has given a massive boost to Qatar's hopes.

Rome had been viewed as one of the favourites but its bid was scrapped yesterday after the Italian Premier, Mario Monti, said the government could not guarantee the necessary financial backing.

It leaves Doha in Qatar, Madrid, Istanbul and Baku in Azerbaijan in the running.