Judoka Ariel Zeevi out of action for up to six months

Hopes of seeing the Israeli flag raised to the rafters at the Judo World Championships in Cairo, Egypt, suffered a serious blow Wednesday when Arik Ze'evi decided that he isn't fit to participate.

Ze'evi, a three-time European champ and a bronze medal winner at the Athens Olympics, struggled with the decision after injuring his shoulder during training two weeks ago. However, at the end of Wednesday's training session, he felt that his shoulder wouldn't allow him to perform some of the basic technical moves needed to compete and withdrew himself from the four-day event.

Seven other judokas will represent Israel at the tournament, with European silver medalist Yoel Rozvozov the delegation's top hope.

The only Israeli in action on Thursday will be Andrian Kordon in the over-100 kilogram weight class.

Ariel Ze'evi will be out of action for up to six months after an MRI scan confirmed yesterday that he would have to undergo surgery for a shoulder tendon injury sustained in the run-up to last week's World Championship in Cairo.

"It is a tough blow, but I hope it will take less time for me to recover than I have been told," said the Olympic bronze medalist and former European Champion.

"Ariel Ze'evi is a great sportsman and our most senior judoka, and we will stand behind him," said Israel Judo Association chairman Edi Koaz.

The IJA, the Olympic Committee of Israel and the Elite Sports Unit will continue to support Ze'evi until he is fully fit.

Also rival Elco van der Geest sunstains an injury to his knee and needs to be operated. He will also expected to be out of competition for six months.