Injured Barber out of heptathlon

Barber had been winning her battle with Kluft

France's Eunice Barber has pulled out of the heptathlon at the European Championships in Gothenburg after complaining of muscular pain.

Barber was leading the competition after the first two events.

Her withdrawal is a huge boost to the medal hopes of Britain's Kelly Sotherton and Jessica Ennis.

Barber said: "The physios tried everything. It's a pity because I was feeling strong but to complete a heptathlon you have to be at 100%"

Highlights: Heptathlon day one

Barber, the 1999 world champion, had competed in the hurdles with strapping on her leg.

The French team said that an announcement would be made later on Barber's participation in the long jump.

Qualification for that event takes place Wedensday afternoon.