German Hambuechen withdraws from gymnastics worlds for injury

Olympic medallist Fabian Hambuechenof Germany declared his withdrawal from the upcoming Artistic Gymnastics World Championships on Monday due to an injury in training on Sunday.

Hambuechen, who will turn 22 later this month, was the hot favourite in the men's all-around event as the Olympic and world champion Yang Wei from China retired this year. Besides, the 2007 world champion in horizontal bar was expected to launch a strong challenge against China's Olympic title holder Zou Kai in the apparatus event.

However, the German star injured his left ankle when landing on floor during Sunday's training and suffered a ruptured ligament due to an x-ray examination in the hospital.

Hambuechen then held a press conference this morning in the team's hotel to announce his exit. "Naturally, I am disappointed that these championships will happen without me, but that's the way it is. Health comes first," said the bronze medallist in horizontal bar at last year's Beijing Olympic Games.

Hambuechen competed in the all-around final in Beijing as the runner up at 2007 World Championships. After falling off from his trump card event horizontal bar, he had to conceded to a seventh finish at the Olympics.

The 20-year-old Olympic silver medallist Uchimura Kohei from Japan would meet less challenge in the men's all-around competition.

The 41st World Championships is going to run from Oct. 13 to 18with 12 gold medals up for grab.

Source: Xinhua