DOHA (AFP) — Retief Goosen's hopes of becoming the first golfer to win the European Tour's Qatar Masters on two occasions were wrecked on Wednesday when he was forced to withdraw with vision problems.
The South African came to Doha after undergoing corrective laser surgery ten days ago but during practice on Tuesday, his vision in one eye began to blur. He immediately travelled to Dubai for further treatment and was hopeful of playing the event even on Tuesdy night. However, he announced his withdrawal Wednesday morning, saying he was still having problems with his vision.
Goosen said: "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.
"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."
The absence of Goosen, twice a winner of the US Open, is a body blow for a tournament that has grown in stature over the last few years and taken its central role in what has become known as the "Desert Swing" which includes the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and the Dubai Desert Classic.
Goosen joins fellow South African Ernie Els on the sidelines following the latter's decision to skip Doha this year and play instead in the Indian Masters.
There remains, however, plenty of quality players in the line-up which will ensure a tough contest on the rain-softened Doha Golf Club course.
Australian Adam Scott, ranked eighth in the world, heads the rankings list for the tournament which includes nine players from the world's top 30 making the event the strongest ever in its history.
Although his maiden European Tour success came in the 2001 Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa, it was his stunning six shot victory in the 2002 Qatar Masters which proved the catalyst for the Australian to begin his climb towards golf's upper echelons, an ascent which included a further three European Tour titles.
"It has been a long time since I won back in 2002 and a lot has happened to me since then but I am delighted to now be heading back to Qatar," Scott said on the European Tour website.
"The European Tour gave me a chance when I was a young kid turning professional and they extended a lot of invitations to me.
"Luckily I was able to take advantage of them and became a member of the Tour before playing in America - so there is a very strong bond there for me."
Other players in the top 30 to line up are Paul Casey, Luke Donald, Niclas Fasth, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Henrik Stenson, Scott Verplank and Lee Westwood.
World Number 12 Garcia finished last year's tournament strongly with a closing 67 and he admitted keenly anticipating a return to the Gulf State.
"I enjoyed the course last year as well as the warmth of the galleries," said the Spaniard. "It is certainly a region that has shown commitment to the development of our sport so I am more than happy to be returning to Doha."
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