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Injured Woods ruled out of British Open

Continued problems with his left leg has forced Tiger Woods out of next week's British Open at Sandwich.
Continued problems with his left leg has forced Tiger Woods out of next week's British Open at Sandwich.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Tiger Woods has ruled huimself out of next week's British Open at Sandwich
  • The former world number one has still not recovered from injuries to his left leg
  • Three-time winner Woods also missed the 2008 British Open after knee surgery

(CNN) -- Former world number one Tiger Woods has confirmed that he will miss next week's British Open championship at Sandwich, because of injuries to his left leg.

Woods, a three-time British Open winner, has not played since mid-May because of the problems, and has now revealed that absence will be extended as he gives himself time for his body to recover.

Speaking on his official website, Woods said: "Unfortunately, I've been advised that I should not play in the British Open.

"As I stated at the AT&T National, I am only going to come back when I'm 100% ready as I do not want to risk further injury."

He continued: "That's different for me, but I'm being smarter this time. I'm very disappointed and want to express my regrets to the British Open fans."

I'm very disappointed and want to express my regrets to the British Open fans
--Tiger Woods
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Woods suffered injuries to his left knee and left Achilles tendon during the Masters in April and withdrew after nine holes of the Players Championship when he inflamed his leg again.

"In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have competed at the Players but it's a big event, and I wanted to be there to support the PGA Tour," Woods added.

"I've got to learn from what I did there and do it right this time and not come back until I'm ready.

"I think my best years are still ahead of me, and I'm very confident and optimistic about the future."

Woods is replaced by first reserve Brendan Jones of Australia in the British Open line-up.

The 35-year-old Woods, winner of the British Open in 2000, 2005 and 2006, also missed the 2008 tournament at Royal Birkdale following reconstructive knee surgery straight after his U.S. Open victory a month earlier.