Liberec, Czech Republic - World Cup leader Dario Cologna of Switzerland has withdrawn from Sunday's 50 kilometres cross-country race and leaves the Nordic skiing world championships empty-handed.

The ruling body FIS said in a statement on Saturday that Cologna felt tired and wanted to concentrate on the final World Cup events of the season which run until March 23.

Cologna won the Tour de Ski in January and leads the World Cup with 939 points from Norwegian two-time world champion Petter Northug, who has 736 points.

Cologna failed to medal at the worlds, his best result being fourth in the sprint. He was sixth in the 15km, seventh with the relay and 41st in the pursuit. (dpa)