Pistorius may compete in Russia after bail terms changed

Oscar Pistorius could compete in this year's World Championships after a judge changed his bail restrictions to allow him to travel abroad as he awaits trial for allegedly killing his girlfriend.

Lawyers for the "Blade Runner", who was not in court for the hearing, applied for the conditions to be changed to allow Pistorius to leave South Africa to continue his athletics career.

The 26-year-old is on bail after being charged with the premeditated murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who was shot dead at his home in Pretoria last month.

Pistorius' representative Peet van Zyl did not rule out a return at the World Championships in Moscow this August, but said it was up to the Olympic and Paralympic star to make a decision whether he will try to qualify for the event.

International athletics body the IAAF, confirmed as far as it is concerned, Pistorius would be able to compete at this year's world championships if he qualifies for the event.

Pistorius, a double amputee and six-time Paralympic sprint champion, claims he shot 29-year-old Ms Steenkamp after mistaking her for an intruder in his Pretoria home.

He was released on bail by magistrate Desmond Nair last month on a number of conditions, including having to surrender his passport and to report to police twice a week.

His lawyer Barry Roux today asked for several conditions to be relaxed, saying Pistorius - who has been staying with relatives - was effectively under "house arrest"'.

Judge Bert Bam granted the appeal, saying there was no reason Pistorius should not be allowed to leave the country if he was invited to compete abroad.

The star, however, must provide a copy of his itinerary to officials before he plans to travel, the judge ruled.