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Richard Kilty forced to bring his indoor season to a close

BELGRADE, SERBIA - MARCH 04: Richard Kilty (C) of great Britain celebrates after winning the men's 60m final at the 2017 European Athletics Indoor Champion
Image: Richard Kilty suffered an Achilles injury on Saturday

Richard Kilty is out of contention for a second world title over 60m after injury brought an early end to his indoor season.

Kilty, who was a surprise winner of the World Indoor crown in 2014, looked on course to book his place in the British team for this year's event when he reached the final of the SPAR British Indoor Championships in Birmingham on Saturday.

However, the recurrence of an Achilles injury forced the 28-year-old from Teesside to withdraw from the final.

In his absence, CJ Ujah claimed victory in 6.56 seconds to secure a return to Arena Birmingham for the Worlds next month.

Eilish McColgan celebrates her victory in the women's 1500m final
Image: Eilish McColgan celebrates her victory in the women's 1500m final on Sunday

Kilty did not immediately give a reason for his withdrawal, but wrote on Twitter on Sunday: "Gutted to call my indoor season a day yesterday.

"Been suffering with an Achilles injury which was strapped up yesterday - flared up during the semi final.

"As Britain's most successful indoor athlete in recent years it's a tough call but my health is key and have other aims prioritised."

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The word indoors take place between 2-4 March and the British team will be selected on Monday and then announced on Tuesday.

Former Olympic bronze medallist Robbie Grabarz was an injury absentee on Sunday's second day of action in Birmingham, a back injury keeping the 30-year-old out of the men's high jump, which was won by Mike Edwards with a clearance of 2.20m.

Sheffield's Lee Thompson produced one of the best performances of the day to win the 400m with a personal best and world indoor qualifying time of 46.23s, while Eilidh Doyle retained her title in the women's event ahead of fellow Scot Zoey Clark.

Tom Bosworth triumphed in the men's 5000m walk final
Image: Tom Bosworth triumphed in the men's 5000m walk final

There were also personal bests for winner Shelayna Oskan-Clarke and runner-up Mhairi Hendry in the women's 800m, while Adam Hague won the men's pole vault with a personal best and championship record-equalling clearance of 5.65m.

Tom Bosworth took almost 11 seconds off his own British record with a time of 18 minutes 28.70s in the 5k walk, an event which is not included in the world indoors.

And, after finishing second to Laura Muir in the 3000m on Saturday, Eilish McColgan went one better with victory in the 1500m.

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