Nicolas Sarkozy knocked out of French presidential primary

Nicolas Sarkozy knocked out of French presidential primary.French ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy has been knocked out of a primary to choose the presidential candidate of the centre-right Republican party. Admitting defeat, Sarkozy endorsed Francois Fillon, a moderate who finished first in Sunday's first round. Fillon served as Sarkozy's prime minister during the latter's presidency between 2007 and

2012.

Alain Juppe finished second. They will face each other in a run-off next Sunday. The winner will compete in next year's presidential election.