Around the World: Ukraine

Rivals look to runoff

Ukraine's two presidential hopefuls squared up yesterday for a final bid for election next month with their camps focusing on how to attract voters who supported candidates knocked out in Sunday's first round. Opposition leader Viktor Yanukovich has a 10 percent lead over Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko with nearly all votes from Sunday counted. Analysts say a close contest is on the cards.

Meanwhile, Russia yesterday broke its official silence on the election, saying the eventual winner must improve ties with Moscow and not play political games.