Olympic long jump gold medallist Ivan Pedroso has withdrawn from the World Indoor Championships.

The Cuban wants more time to rest a thigh injury and will not make the trip to Birmingham in March.

Pedroso was hot favourite to claim his sixth consecutive world indoor title, but has decided not to take the risk.

The 30-year-old wants to focus on regaining full fitness ahead of the Pan-American Games and the World Championships.

Spain's Yago Lamela now goes into the event as a strong contender for the title.

He has jumped the furthest in the world this year at 8.25m.

Chris Tomlinson, who came third in the European Indoor Cup, and Nathan Morgan carry British hopes.