• Glasgow Grand Prix

Rutherford in Commonwealth Games scare

Greg Rutherford limped away from the Hampden Park track in the warm-up © Getty Images

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Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford's preparations for the Commonwealth Games took a hit after he was forced to withdraw from the Glasgow Grand Prix due to a knee problem.

Rutherford, who set a new British record of 8.51 metres earlier this year, limped away from the Hampden Park track in the warm-up.

The Commonwealth Games get underway in 11 days' time at the same stadium with Rutherford aiming to go one better than his silver medal four years ago.

"I've been really excited about jumping in Glasgow and testing the venue before coming back for Commonwealth Games," said Rutherford.

"Sadly during the warm-up I ended up with a nerve irritation in the back of my knee.

"It's an absolute nightmare but I hope to make up for it in two weeks at the Commonwealths."

Elsewhere, teenager Matthew Hudson-Smith claimed a new personal best after finishing third in the men's 400m in 44.97 seconds to record the second fastest time in Europe this year.

The 19-year-old's efforts look to have booked him a place at the European Championships, with Britain's squad announced on Tuesday.

"It's absolutely unbelievable. I've no idea where that came from, no idea at all," said Hudson-Smith.

"The first thing I'm going to do is ring my my mum Cheryl. I don't know if she was watching. If she was she will be in a state of disbelief too."

David Rudisha, the Olympic 800m champion and world record holder, threw down a marker for the Commonwealth Games by winning his event in 1:43:34. He also plans to compete in the 4x400m.

"It's a great feeling and the track is fast. I really like it," said Rudisha, who missed last season with a knee injury.

"I'm very happy because I was feeling OK and I was expecting to run the fastest time this year and I'm glad I accomplished that. This year has been a tough year, a struggle."

Meanwhile, fears that Yohan Blake suffered a hamstring tear after pulling up in the 100m on Friday night have been eased.

Blake, who took 100m and 200m silver at London 2012, was forced to leave the track in a wheelchair but scans have revealed he only suffered a strain.

Blake, who had already said he was not competing at the Commonwealth Games, will miss the London Anniversary Games on The Mall next Sunday, however, with three weeks' rest required.

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