Noble Prize betting

Nobel Prize week is upon us.Like the choosing of the Pope, the world's most coveted award is a process shrouded in secrecy with nothing leaked until the winner is announced. Favourite to win according to Ladbrokes is Martti Ahtisaari, who brokered peace efforts in the Balkans and Namibia. The former Finnish President can be backed at 3/1. Rock musicians Bono and Bob Geldof, who have campaigned to ease Third World poverty, have seen significant support and are among the favourites. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />Viktor Yushchenko is a name to look out for after his stunning victory last December in the Ukrainian elections. The face of the Orange Revolution is available at 33s, although recent government troubles may hinder his chances. Other notables on the list are the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, and General Colin Powell, the former US secretary of state.