Olympics-Proud China brings curtain down on epic Games

* IOC president declares Games over, calls them "exceptional"

* Olympic flag handed over to London

* Hosts win 51 golds, U.S. win 36

* Kenyan wins marathon for first time

* U.S. embassy disappointed with lack of tolerance

By Crispian Balmer

BEIJING (Reuters) - The Beijing Olympics ended with a blaze of deafening fireworks on Sunday, bringing down the curtain on a Games that dazzled the world with sporting brilliance and showcased the might of modern day China.

The sporting extravaganza failed to quell criticism of China's human rights record, although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave the organisers the thumbs-up and said the Games would leave a positive legacy for future generations.

"Tonight we come to the end of 16 glorious days we will cherish forever," IOC President Jacques Rogge told the 91,000-strong crowd in the Bird's Nest stadium.