'Battle Royal' hits the headlines

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The French presidential elections capture the imagination of many of the papers.

It is "Round One: Sarkozy", but France is set for a "battle Royal", according to the Independent.

The paper's front page is filled with the faces of right-wing Nicolas Sarkozy and his socialist challenger Ségolene Royal.

For the Guardian "Bayroumania fizzled out" and "Le Pen ran dry".

It says the strong turnout of 85% suggests another record vote in a fortnight, with Mr Sarkozy the favourite to take the Elysée Palace.

France is now in for a "titanic" two weeks of "no holds barred" electioneering, according to the Daily Mail.

A battle, it says, between "beauty and the beast".

The paper explains says so many of the French electorate turned out to vote because the candidates offered voters clear and distinctive choices.

It says there were choices to the left, right and centre, adding "British politicians, please note."

The Financial Times says the Treasury will announce that Britain is to become the first Western country to issue shariah-compliant bonds.

The paper says they would be suitable for devout Muslims because they offer returns generated by business activities owned by the issuer.

The Times also has the story. It says "Ernie" could be taught to obey Islamic law too, with the government keen for some premium bonds to pass the Sharia test.

The Daily Telegraph is one of several papers to report on the arrival in Southampton of the world's largest cruise liner.

Liberty of the Seas towers has an ice-rink and full-size boxing ring on board and will carry 5,000 passengers and crew.

The Sun has a "Royal Exclusive" on the Queen's love of football.

It says she has apparently admitted to being, like her mother, a "gooner". That's a fan of Arsenal football club.