British Prime Minister Tony Blair flew into Singapore Sunday, the first of three world leaders arriving over the next 24 hours hoping to swing votes for their respective 2012 bid cities. Blair's arrival began the influx. He'll be followed by French President Jacques Chirac and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. All three heads of state will meet with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and participate in the bid campaigns of their respective capitals. Wednesday's decision by the International Olympic Committee is widely seen as the closest race in the movement's bid history. Paris remains favorite but London is a close second in figures quoted by international betting agencies. Moscow and New York are also in the bid, The Associated Press reported. Blair and his wife Cherie planned to join London 2012 bid leader Sebastian Coe for one-to-one meetings with as many IOC delegates as possible over the coming three days.
