Far East too far for Sibley

The English number one was due to fly out tomorrow after being selected last week to represent Team GB at the London Olympics.

However, she has been advised that travelling to the Far East may hamper her rehabilitation from a hip injury and will instead stay in the UK to undergo regular physio sessions in a bid to be fully fit for the start of competition on August 3.

“I’ve got a bit of inflammation but have been advised that that is normal after going from doing nothing to intensive training,” said Sibley, who would have faced gruelling six-hour days at the practice table alongside fellow team members Liu Na and Joanna Parker.

“It’s really disappointing not to be going to China.

“However, the clever option is to stay at home where I can receive physio twice a day rather than going three weeks without it.”