Mikitenko to miss Berlin

Irina Mikitenko has pulled out of the World Championships after her preparations were disrupted by the death of her father.

German Mikitenko, the fastest woman in the world this year with a time of two hours, 22 minutes and 11 seconds, was the favourite to win the gold medal on her 37th birthday on August 23.

However, her father's death two weeks ago interrupted her schedule at her altitude training camp in St Moritz and the subsequent loss of form prompted her withdrawal.

A win for the Kazakhstan-born star would have guaranteed her not only the US dollars 60,000 first prize but also the retention of her World Marathon Majors (WMM) crown, worth USD 500,000.

Mikitenko, who also missed last year's Olympic Games through injury, still has three opportunities to clinch a second consecutive WMM title.

The Berlin Marathon takes place on September 20 followed by Chicago (October 11) and New York (November 1).

Britain's Mara Yamauchi, who finished second behind Mikitenko in London, will also miss Berlin through injury while world record holder Paula Radcliffe is still a doubt following foot surgery.