/world sport
DOHA, Qatar -- Holder Retief Goosen has withdrawn from the Qatar Masters and returned to London for treatment after suffering blurred vision following laser surgery 10 days ago.
Goosen shows off his new beard in practice before blurred vision ended his tournament hopes.
The 38-year-old travelled to Qatar intending to defend the title he won in sparkling fashion last year with a birdie-eagle finish, but his sight in one eye began to blur in practice on Tuesday.
South Africa's two-time US Open champion immediately travelled to Dubai for further treatment and returned in the evening hopeful of still being able to compete.
However, the 14-time European Tour winner was still having problems before Wednesday's Pro-Am, forcing his withdrawal and also throwing his chances of appearing at next weeks Dubai Desert Classic into doubt.
"I am obviously very sad that I am unable to defend my title. I came all this way to play but unfortunately the eye is causing a problem," said Goosen who was sporting a new beard.
"I thought it would come good but it hasn't. I went to Dubai yesterday and the advice was to go back to London for treatment. It is a shame as I love this event, love this course and I can't remember the last time I pulled out of a tournament."
Goosen has been replaced by Sweden's Henrik Nystrom, who will now partner Denmark's Anders Hansen and Hong Kong Open champion Miguel Angel Jimenez.
American Ryder Cup Scott Verplank was forced to withdraw from Wednesday's Pro-AM suffering from a stomach complaint, but he is expected to tee-off at the Doha Golf Club tomorrow.
World number two Phil Mickelson has said that his respiratory problem should not now keep him out of the Buick Invitational starting at Torrey Pines near his San Diego home on Thursday.
Mickelson's first appearance of the year was in doubt when he spent three days on antibiotics and resting on doctor's advice, but has now released a statement saying he was feeling "much, much better".
The left-hander scheduled an afternoon practice session with coach Butch Harmon, saying: "I'm looking forward to working with Butch to make sure everything's in order for this week."
Mickelson's first US Tour win came in the event in 1993 and this will be his 18th consecutive appearance in the tournament.
He has won twice since at Torrey Pines, firing 31 on the final nine to win by four in 2000 and end Tiger Woods' six-tournament winning streak, and again in 2001. E-mail to a friend 
| Most Viewed | Most Emailed | Top Searches |
From the Blogs: 
Sit tight, we're getting to the good stuff
