Singapore hosts, for the first time, the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships from October 19 to 23.

Defending champion Ben Brown is in Singapore early to check out the conditions and get acclimatised. However, the Englishman is not too confident about winning this time round, citing full-time work and him still recovering from a chest infection as factors working against him.

On the positive side, the Surrey native loves the Marina Bay competition venue, after having had an opportunity to test the waters.

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, a luxury hotel located along the banks of historic Singapore River offers easy access to the central business district and a number of local attractions. Located close to the central business district next to the Singapore River, Grand Copthorne Water Front Hotel is a premier 5-star hotel offering great comforts and facilities.

WHO researchers say the H1N1 flu virus that swept the globe in 2009 has mutated, with the new strain appearing in Singapore and Australia.

The new virus has a genetic twist, making it resistant to drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza, the two mainstay drugs used to tackle the virus.

The World Health Organisation's influenza research group says more than 10 percent of H1N1 flu infection samples from Singapore, collected during the early months this year, showed mildly reduced sensitivity to the two drugs.