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Idowu withdrawal sparks London 2012 concerns

Phillips Idowu has a hip injury © Getty Images

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Phillips Idowu suffered a worrying setback ahead of London 2012 when he was forced to pull out of the London Grand Prix due to injury on Saturday.

Idowu was scheduled to compete in the triple jump final at Crystal Palace, but "muscle tighness" caused one of Great Britain's leading Olympic medal hopefuls to withdraw.

The 33-year-old has competed three times this year, last appearing on June 1. That outing was hardly impressive from Idowu, whose best jump registered 17.05m, but he has been adamant in recent times that injury has not been behind his absences from action.

UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee has preferred not to comment on Idowu's situation, citing a need for "medical confidentiality", but now there can be no doubting Idowu has fitness issues just 23 days out from his first involvement at London 2012.

Idowu apologised for his withdrawal on Twitter, saying: "Hey guys, sorry to have to pull out of £ALGP, slight bit of muscle tightness. I will be fine in a day or two. Hope the other jumpers put on a great show for you. See you August 7. Thanks for your support."

British 100m hurdles record holder Tiffany Porter also suffered an injury scare as a back problem contributed to a concerning day for Team GB. Porter slowed from the seventh hurdle to finish in 14.19 seconds, more than a second behind heat winner Virginia Crawford.

There was some better news for Team GB, however, as Goldie Sayers improved her own British record in the women's javelin. Sayers threw 66.17m, which bettered her previous best of 65.75m.

Reigning Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu ran a season's best to defeat world 400m champion Amantle Montsho in the final race of the afternoon. Ohuruogu clocked 50.42 secs as she put to bed memories of her last outing at Crystal Palace, when she finished last.

"This is my Olympic title to defend," Ohuruogu said. "It's getting there, so I'm happy with that. I can't really complain about anything - I'm fit and healthy, so I'm really looking forward to the Games."

Elsewhere, world indoor triple jump champion Yamile Aldama looked in good shape after a bout of injury problems, recording a jump of 14.37m, which was not too far off the 14.66m marker hit by winner Caterine Ibarguen.

And Marilyn Okoro threw away her chance to prove a point to the selectors, who overlooked her for the individual 800m event when naming the Olympic squad. Okoro only managed fourth in a time of 2:01.32 on Saturday, but later claimed she is focusing on the 4x400m relay, for which she has been picked for London 2012.

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