Injured figure skater Joubert ruled out of Paris GP

Former world champion Brian Joubert of France has withdrawn from the Paris ISU Grand Prix figure skating event because of injury, the French ice sports federation (FFSG) confirmed on Tuesday. The 2007 world champion blamed a "recurrent injury" for his decision not to compete in the Trophee Bompard, the fifth in the six-leg ISU Grand Prix series which takes place on Friday and Saturday in Paris-Bercy. Joubert, 27, already pulled out of the Cup of China last month after "seriously injuring his back in training," the FFSG said. The three-time European champion will be replaced by French skater Romain Ponsart.