UK long jumper Rutherford eyes 'clean sweep' at worlds

 Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford said Friday he was gunning for a "clean sweep" of major titles by winning gold at this year's world championships in Beijing.

The Briton, who added the Commonwealth and European titles last year, rued his luck in previous attempts at the worlds, with his best performance coming fifth in Berlin in 2009.

But Rutherford, speaking ahead of Sunday's Diamond League meeting in Shanghai, said he felt good about his chances at the world championships in August.

"For me it is the last title to complete the set so it is hugely important for this year to be geared towards it," he told reporters.

"I have always had a bit of bad luck when it comes to world championships," he added.

Rutherford failed to reach the final in Moscow 2013, blaming a hamstring injury he had picked up in Paris five weeks earlier.

But he had a stellar 2014, taking the Commonwealth title in Glasgow last July, before clinching European glory in Zurich a month later.

"Going forwards, I am on the right path to hopefully have a fantastic year and aim to win that world title as well," the 28-year-old said.

"With all being well and good in a few months' time I can add that final title and get the clean sweep."

Shanghai will be a good test for Rutherford as he will face Russian Aleksandr Menkov, who clinched the world title on home soil two years ago.

American Jeffrey Henderson, who has jumped a world-leading 8.50m this season, will also be competing.
Source: AFP