A month after Beijing's computer system crashed because of unexpected demand, organizers announced today that Zhu Yan had stepped in to replace the former director Rong Jun.

Ticket sales in China kicked off Oct. 30 on a first-come, first-served basis, but the system was suspended in fewer than 24 hours after demand overwhelmed the system. Organizers said they would revert to a lottery system, which was also used in the first phase of ticketing in April.

"There're so many Chinese who want to watch the games and the tickets available can't match the demand," Zhu said. "The new policy will give more people a chance to watch the games, and it will prevent ticket scalpers from making profits."

Under the old system, people could apply for up to 50 tickets. They will be limited to eight under the lottery.

Zhu did not say whether Rong was fired or if he stepped down.

The online ticketing glitch and worries about Beijing's air pollution have become two of the major concerns in Olympics preparations, which have gone smoothly with all but one venue set to be finished by the end of the year.

More than 7 million tickets will be sold for the Beijing Olympics. Overall, the Beijing Games will generate about 9 million tickets, but a large chunk is set aside for the International Olympic Committee, sponsors, dignitaries and TV broadcasters — cutting the available total.

Zhu said a new round of sales in China would begin Dec. 10 and last through Dec. 30. Applicants can submit their names for lottery through the official ticketing Web site or at Bank of China branches.