Special report:   2008 Olympic Games

    HONG KONG, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Major newspapers in Hong Kong splashed their layouts here Saturday on the Hong Kong leg of Beijing Olympics torch relay, hailing the success of torch relay had showcased the Olympic spirit and the unique charm of "One Country, Two System."

    "The torch relay in Hong Kong not only manifested the Olympic spirit, but also showed the uniqueness, openness of the city," the Mingpao News said in its editorial, "Hong Kong people should be proud of the event."

    "We have made a good beginning for the torch relay in China," the Mingpao News said.

    "The Flame Lights Up Hong Kong," read the South China Morning Post's headline on Saturday. The English-language daily described the torch relay "an emotional day" and "a defining moment for Hong Kong".

    "The relay was in keeping with the Olympic spirit and lived up to Beijing's billing as a 'journey of harmony'", said the South China Morning Post, "it also showcased Hong Kong's unity with the rest of China and reminded us of the freedoms that makes this city so special."

    The Sing Tao Daily said in its editorial that the 119 torchbearers had passed through in the city the message of fair play and harmony as tens of thousands of citizens lined up the streets to welcome the sacred flame like celebrating a carnival.

    "As the first leg of relay in China," the Sing Tao Daily's editorial said, "Hong Kong has made it the genuine leg of exhibiting the peace spirit that Olympics represents."

    The Wen Wei Po daily also published an editorial hailing the success of the torch relay, saying the relay surrounded by cheering, bravo and blessing would leave a marvelous chapter in the Olympic torch relay history and a glorious collective memory for Hong Kong people.

    "The torch relay has not only offered a chance for Chinese and foreign residents in Hong Kong to share the joy and dream of Olympics," said Wen Wei Po's editorial, "but also enabled the world to have a glimpse of the city's tolerance and peace characteristics."

    The Hong Kong Economic Journal, the Economic Times, the Hong Kong Daily News and the Ta Kung Pao also published editorials praising the success of the torch relay on Friday.