Games flame: Yuen Long District Officer Yeung Tak-keung (second right) and District Council Chairman Leung Che-cheung (right) light the cauldron during the Tin Shui Wai torch relay.

Tickets for eight East Asian Games events with seating still available have gone on sale at venue box offices.

Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Betty Fung said the move was implemented today in the wake of public requests.

Spectators can get them from the seven venues on competition days two hours ahead of the start of contests until one hour before the event ends.

However, Mrs Fung urged the public to check ticket availability online in advance to avoid disappointment should tickets sell out.

Tickets for popular events like cue sports, diving and athletics have sold out.

More than 80% of games tickets have been put up for public sale, with the remainder distributed to sponsors, participating countries, district councils, schools and others to enhance community participation.

Meanwhile, 272 Yuen Long district representatives took part in a torch relay in Tin Shui Wai today to spread the games' spirit in the district. The 5km relay was completed in an hour with 72 torchbearers and 200 torch escorts participating.