'Over Half Of Olympic Ticket Bids Failed'

More than half of sports fans who applied for tickets to next year's Olympic Games have been unsuccessful - many more than first believed.

About 1.8 million people made 20 million bids for the 6.6 million tickets available.

It was originally thought that around 250,000 - around one in seven - were left disappointed.

But according to BBC London some 55% missed out completely in the public ballot.

Those who were unlucky will get priority in the next release of tickets.

A spokesman for London 2012 would not comment on the 55% figure as the ballot is still ongoing.

"We understand people's disappointment, but those who have been unsuccessful in the first round will get first choice in the second round sales," he said.

"Hundreds of thousands of great tickets are still available, everything from athletics to basketball, hockey and volleyball."

More than 50% of the 650 sessions up for grabs were over-subscribed and triggered a computerised ballot.

Events like the opening and closing ceremonies and the men's 100m final were expected to be sold out.

But tickets for cheaper events like BMX and archery have also been snapped up.

The ticketing process has been criticised as lacking transparency and favouring the better off.

London 2012 admit the system was flawed but insist it was the fairest one open to them.

The ballot closes on June 10 and the lucky applicants will be notified by June 24 what tickets they have paid for.

There will be another round of ticket sales in July, although this time it will be operated on a first-come, first served basis.

:: Still confused by the ticketing system? The Sky News Olympics Desk answer your questions.