No disruption for Olympic torch in Australia

Canberra: Runners carried the Olympic torch through the streets of Australia's capital, cheered on by thousands waving Chinese flags and unimpeded by pockets of protest.

Australian organizers said the relay largely avoided the chaotic protest scenes that had marred previous runs.

About an hour into the relay, a man leaped out from the crowd and sat cross-legged about 10 meters in front of the runner. Police quickly hauled him away and the runner didn't stop.

Some pro-Tibet demonstrators complained of being heckled and harassed by some China supporters who vastly outnumbered them, and police at least once had to break up angry scenes between the two sides.