Ennis pulls out of Sheffield event as a 'precaution'

Instead of preparing for another show-stealing indoor performance this weekend – on home ground in Sheffield – Jessica Ennis was putting herself under wraps yesterday.

After reeling off eight personal bests in three meetings last month, the world heptathlon champion has withdrawn from the Aviva World Trials and UK Championships because of a foot injury. She had been due to contest four events: high jump, long jump, 60m hurdles and shot.

"After competing in Glasgow, I felt a slight niggle in my foot," Ennis said. "A scan has shown a slight ligament strain, and as a precautionary measure, I am going to have to rest. This means me missing the trials and I'm devastated. Toni Minichiello, my coach, believes I am in the shape of my life, and that reducing high impact training now will not affect my preparations for Doha."

On the form she has produced thus far in 2010, Ennis would start a strong favourite for the pentathlon at the World Indoor Championships in the Qatari capital next month.