Kiefer joins Wimbledon casualty list

LONDON, June 22 (Reuters) Germany's Nicolas Kiefer has withdrawn from next week's Wimbledon championships, organisers said today.

Kiefer, who had been seeded 18th for the two-week grasscourt grand slam, did not reveal a reason for pulling out although he had to quit during the French Open with a wrist injury.

Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan has been elevated into the seeding list and under the surface-based system will be the 29th seed.

Along with Kiefer, Spain's Carlos Moya, Guillermo Coria of Argentina and big-serving American Taylor Dent have also been sidelined from the men's competition.

In the women's event, former champions Lindsay Davenport and Serena Williams along with Mary Pierce are the notable absentees.

REUTERS DH RK1940