SINGAPORE, July 6: Four votes were enough to give London a dramatic victory over Paris over the right to host the 2012 Olympics here on Wednesday. The final count was 54-50 for London.

London’s victory was assured when Madrid were knocked out in the third round of voting.

The majority of the Spanish backers switched to London, pushing them over the line.

Moscow were the first to go, followed by New York, setting up a Paris-London showdown.

London led from the beginning, collecting 22 first round votes followed by Paris (21), Madrid (20), New York (19) and Moscow (15)

In the second round Madrid moved in front with 32 votes, trailed by London (27), Paris (25), New York (16)

But Madrid’s Olympic hopes were short-lived as they crashed out in the third round as London went back ahead collecting the support of 39 IOC members. Madrid slipped back to 31 and Paris increased to 33.—AFP