World and Olympic sprint champion, Usain Bolt, has cancelled races in China and South Korea later this month because of fatigue.

The Jamaican was scheduled to run 100m races in Shanghai on 20 September and in Daegu on 25 September. He is now in Thessaloniki, Greece to compete in a 200m at the world athletics final this weekend.

"I have been suffering from fatigue from as early as the Zurich meet and after careful discussions with my coach and management team, even with medical advice, we felt it necessary to close the season," read a statement on www.usainbolt.com.

"The season has been long and has been challenging with early challenges I faced. In addition the risk of injury becomes greater and if I compete in the shape I am in, I may be at great risk."

Bolt used a late surge to win the 100m at Zurich on 28 August and had been on the road since 1 July. The highlight of his campaign was undoubtedly winning the 100m and 200m gold at last month's World Championship in Berlin, when he also smashed the existing records in both events.

The Shanghai Golden grand prix would have been Bolt's first race back in China since his three gold medals and three world records at last year's Beijing Olympics.

"I know the Chinese fans will be disappointed, but I beg your understanding as I return home to rest and be prepared for next year's exploits. I thank all of you for your support and I look forward to coming to China next year," the 23-year-old added.

(Xinhua News Agency September 12, 2009)