Sporting Digest: Athletics

NOUREDDINE MORCELI, the Algerian world 1,500m champion and record holder will definitely not be taking part in the World Championships in Stuttgart on principle, his manager, Amar Brahmia, reiterated yesterday. However, Curtis Robb, Britain's middle distance hope, yesterday announced he would be fit to run in the 800m after blood tests, taken following a weak performance in Zurich last week, revealed no problems. Germany's Heike Henkel, the Olympic women's high jump champion, will be competing despite a Achilles tendon injury.

PETER GORDON, the British No 2 discus thrower, has been banned for four years after failing to submit to a drugs test at the UK championships in Birmingham in June. Gordon has 21 days in which to appeal.

MINNA LAINIO, Finland's 800 and 1500m women's champion, has tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug, Nandrolon.