Murray pulls out of Artois championships

LONDON, June 7 (Reuters) British number one Andy Murray has pulled out of next week's Artois grasscourt tournament at Queen's Club due to his injured wrist in a setback to his hopes of being fit for Wimbledon later this month.

''I decided today that I won't be ready to play Queen's unfortunately,'' the Scot said in a note posted on his Web site (www.andymurray.com) late yesterday.

Murray was forced to retire from last month's Hamburg Masters in the first round and a scan revealed a damaged tendon in his right wrist.

The world number 11 pulled out of the French Open but had been scheduled to play the Artois tournament from June 11 in the run-up to Wimbledon, which starts on June 25.

''My wrist is getting better every day but it's just too soon to play.

''I've been hitting balls softly and doing strengthening exercises for it, also been getting treatment every day and working out in the gym, so hopefully it will continue to improve.'' REUTERS BJR VV1455