SAO PAULO (AP) — The man leading Brazil's presidential elections polls has skipped a key debate before Sunday's vote, but was still targeted by his adversaries.

Far-right congressman Jair Bolsonaro says his doctors didn't allow him to participate in the TV Record debate because he is still recovering from a Sept. 6 stabbing.

Bolsonaro has been favored in polls ahead of the first round of voting, but trails in likely head-to-head matches for the Oct.28 runoff.

All of the the six candidates who did take part Sunday devoted their time to bashing Bolsonaro, who has said he will not accept election results if he loses.

Left-leaning Fernando Haddad, who polls second, was also a target.