Tired Federer to skip Shanghai Masters

London: World number three Roger Federer has pulled out of next month`s Shanghai Masters to rest and recover after a gruelling summer, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) said on Friday.

"After consultation with my team, I`ve unfortunately decided to pull out of the Shanghai Masters in order to take some necessary time to rest and recuperate after a long summer," the Swiss maestro was quoted as saying on the ATP website (www.atpworldtour.com).

"I have some nagging injuries that I need to address and I look forward to returning to the ATP World Tour as soon as possible."

The 16-times grand slam champion suffered a five-set loss to U.S. Open champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows before arriving in Australia to aid Switzerland`s return to the Davis Cup World Group.

"I have very fond memories of Shanghai so I will miss this amazing tournament and all my loyal Chinese fans, but I look forward to returning to China next fall," said Federer.

Bureau Report

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Jamie Donaldson leads European Masters by a stroke (AP)

CRANS-SUR-SIERRE, Switzerland – Jamie Donaldson shot a 6-under 65 Saturday to pull ahead of Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy and lead the European Masters after three rounds.

Donaldson is at 14 under and seeking his first career victory. The Welshman is one stroke in front of Westwood with McIlroy.

Westwood had seven birdies, including all four par-5s, and no dropped shots in a 64 that was the day's best round. McIlroy began the day in a four-way tie for the lead, but dropped shots at the 16th and 17th in his 67.

Thomas Bjorn, last week's winner at Gleneagles, Scotland, had a 66 and is at 11 under.

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