Olazabal 'may withdraw'

Golf

Golf

Jose Maria Olazabal, a key member of Europe's last four Ryder Cup teams, hinted yesterday he may have to withdraw from the match against the United States later this month.

Olazabal, who has been suffering from foot trouble for most of the year, said on the eve of the Lancome Trophy in Paris: "Whether I play at Oak Hill all depends on this week.

"If I do not feel fit enough I will not play. I will decide on Sunday whether to play. If I decide to play in the Ryder Cup, I will stay in America. I will not come back to join the team here and fly out with them."

The 29-year-old Spaniard, who made his debut in 1987, added: "Obviously if I do not play in the Ryder Cup I will be very disappointed. But I must be realistic. I do not want to go there with the slightest chance of letting the team down."