Safina pulls out of Dubai with back injury

World number two Dinara Safina has pulled out of next week's Dubai tennis championships because of continuing problems with a back injury.

"Unfortunately, I will not be able to play this year because of the back injury that's been bothering me since the end of last season," Safina said on her official website (www.dinarasafina.com).

Safina has not played since retiring injured during her fourth-round match against compatriot Maria Kirilenko at the Australian Open last month.

The 23-year-old said she was hoping to come back at the Indian Wells tournament in the United States, starting on March 10.

- Reuters