Injured Rutherford to miss worlds in London

BRITAIN’S Greg Rutherford has been ruled out of the World Championships in London after the defending long jump champion suffered an ankle injury. Rutherford, who won Olympic gold at London 2012, was forced to withdraw from his title defence after failing to recover from the ligament damage he sustained competing in Italy last month. The 30-year-old’s absence was announced by British Athletics on Tuesday. As well as an Olympic title, Rutherford also claimed the Commonwealth Games crown and European gold medal in 2014. Rutherford’s withdrawal is a big blow for British Athletics ahead of the World Championships, which start next week.