ARM wrestling champion Neil Pickup has successfully defended his European crown in what he described as the most gruelling competition of his career.

The 27-year-old Blackburn puller had to break the arm of a Russian opponent on the way to retaining his 85kg title in the Swedish town of Galve.

The nine times British champion snapped the arm of former world title holder Ilyas Zariyev in a hard fought semi final victory -- but also returned home with injuries of his own.

He went on to beat Viejo Rossinen of Finland to retain the title on his right arm. He has now been crowned European champion five times.

He said: "It is without doubt the most gruelling competition I have ever been involved in. There were times when my arm went completely numb I can't even remember some of the victories.

"What happened to Ilyas was terrible and I never want to be involved in a bout like that again. But at the time the only way to beat him was to break his arm.

"I will be sending him a get well card and hope to come up against him in the World Championships."

He added: "I am pretty torn up myself. I've damaged ligaments, cartiledge and muscles in my arms and back and I could do with at least a month off.

"However, I will be competing again at the end of the month when I defend my Belgium Open title. I have a big fan club over there so I don't really want to let them down."

Pickup, in the form of his life having won in 10 countries in 2001, also won silver on his left arm-- losing to Zariyev before his horror injury.

He remained unbeaten on his right arm throughout the competition, winning all 11 of his bouts to win the title.

Currently ranked number one in the world, Pickup has hinted that he may miss the British title next month to concentrate of taking the elusive World crown in Poland in September.

He said: "I've been British champion nine times and if I have to miss it to concentrate on the World Championships then I will.

"I've won five silvers and four bronze medals in the past but I have never won it so I will be going all out to win it this time.

"There has been a lot of pressure in previous finals but now it is something I am getting used to and if I can keep my form and fitness I think I am in with a great chance of winning."