'Favourite' Murray to miss BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards

Andy Murray will not attend this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards as he continues his rehabilitation from back surgery, according to reports.

According to the BBC, the Wimbledon champion, one of 10 nominees for the main award on Sunday, says he has to 'sacrifice' being at the ceremony in Leeds to ensure he is fit for January's Australian Open.

He said that he had a great relationship with the BBC, from the recent documentary to his regular columns throughout the year and he does not want this to be seen as a snub.

He added that he was looking forward to linking up with the show live on the night and being part of it all.

Also on the list of contenders for the main award are Sir Ben Ainslie, Ian Bell, Hannah Cockroft, Mo Farah, Chris Froome, Leigh Halfpenny, AP McCoy, Christine Ohuruogu and Justin Rose, the report said.

The public will be able to vote for their favourite when the ceremony, which will be presented by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan, airs on Sunday, the report added.

Voting for the main award, won last year by Sir Bradley Wiggins, will be by phone and, for the first time, online, the report further said.