Many trying to `quit and win'

Probably attracted by the record-high cash prizes, an unprecedented number of smokers have registered to enter a "quit and win" contest designed to help people kick the habit. The Taiwan "quit and win" contest, with cash prizes totaling NT$1.5 million (US$42,857), has attracted nearly 10,000 smokers as of yesterday -- the largest number of people ever to take part in an anti-smoking drive in Taiwan, officials from the John Tung Foundation said. To allow more people the opportunity to join in, the foundation has notified all 600 sign-up booths nationwide to extend the registration deadline to April 29. To become a contestant, a person has to have smoked for at least one year and be at least 18 years old.