/world sport
LONDON, England -- Jose Maria Olazabal has been forced to withdraw from Spain's team for next month's World Cup in China -- missing the chance to compete on the course at Mission Hills that he designed.
Olazabal's career has been put on hold by the affects of rheumatism.
Olazabal has been troubled by rheumatism, which affects his shoulders and groin, and the two-time Masters champion has not played since August.
Jose Maria Lara has been drafted in to replace Olazabal and will partner veteran Migual Angel Jimenez in the 28-team event to be played from November 22-25.
"The joints in my shoulders and groin have been inflamed and even sitting down for any length of time has been painful," said the Spaniard.
"The good news is that the tests indicate a marked improvement and my long-term aim is to get back in action in January.
"I believe I have another five or six good years in me and I want to get playing as soon as possible.
"I am devastated to miss the Omega Mission Hills World Cup as I was desperate to represent my country over a course I designed.
"I pushed as hard as I could to get there -- even if it meant playing without any preparation -- but it wasn't possible."
Olazabal's career has been hit by injury in the past and he missed the whole of 1996 with a mystery foot problem. E-mail to a friend 
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