Injury forces Tweddle to pull out

By Sarah Holt
BBC Sport in Melbourne

Tweddle had been one of England's best medal prospects

English gymnast Beth Tweddle has pulled out of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne with an ankle injury.

The 20-year-old, who won a gold and two silvers in Manchester four years ago, injured her right ankle when she landed badly during training on Tuesday.

"It's a big disappointment as I was looking forward to the Games but as team captain I'll stay in Melbourne and cheer the team on," she told Five Live.

"It will be difficult watching but I'll have to put the injury behind me now."

The women's event had been billed as a straight fight between Tweddle and Australia's Monette Russo.

I knew straight away that something was wrong Beth Tweddle

Tweddle won two bronze medals in the world championships on the asymmetric bars and was fourth in the all-around competition last year.

Russo was the only Commonwealth gymnast to beat her on that occasion.

"We were doing podium training when I landed badly after a vault," said Tweddle. "I knew straight away that something was wrong.

"The injury is not too severe it is a bruised bone and the doctors have said I will be back in time for the Europeans in April.

"In the back of my mind I was still hoping to do the asymetric bars but the doctors advised me to leave it if I wanted to be fit for the Europeans.

"The Beijing Olympics are still in the back of my mind but I've still not decided whether I will carry on yet."