Goosen: Eye trouble

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Defending champion Retief Goosen has been forced to withdraw from this week's Qatar Masters.

The South African is suffering problems with his vision after undergoing laser eye surgery 10 days ago.

Goosen had been preparing to defend the title he won in sensational fashion last year with a birdie-eagle finish, but his vision began to blur during practice on Tuesday.

The two-time US Open champion immediately travelled to Dubai for further treatment yesterday afternoon and returned in the evening hopeful of still being able to compete.

But the 14-time European Tour winner was still having problems with his vision before Wednesday's Pro-Am, forcing his withdrawal and also throwing his chances of appearing at next week's Dubai Desert Classic into doubt after immediately returning to London for further treatment.

Sad

Goosen has been replaced by Sweden's Henrik Nystrom, who will now partner Denmark's Anders Hansen and Hong Kong Open champion Miguel Angel Jimenez.

"I am obviously very sad that I am unable to defend my title," Goosen said.

"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."

Goosen's participation in next week's Dubai Desert Classic is now also in doubt.

"I have had laser eye treatment before, seven years ago, and felt it needed a touch-up which I had done 10 days ago. But there has been a bit of growth with a fibre in the left eye," the 38-year-old said.

"It is a very simple procedure to take it out and the advice was to do it sooner. 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. I think I pulled out of the Scottish Open once with a back injury but that is all. You are never happy leaving a tournament without teeing up."