Faldo forced to pull out of World Cup

An elbow problem has forced Nick Faldo to withdraw from the England team for next week's World Cup at Puerta Vallarta, Mexico.

The loss of Faldo, who finished tied 11th at the Hong Kong Open last week, is a major blow to England. His place will be taken by 25-year-old Paul Casey, the 2001 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, who will partner the world No40 Justin Rose.

Faldo will play in this week's Australian Masters at Mel bourne's Huntingdale Golf Club before taking a break to make sure he is fully fit for the 2003 season.

"I am carrying a slight injury in my elbow and, while it isn't affecting my golf at the moment, I don't want to keep playing indefinitely without getting it sorted out before the start of the 2003 season," said Faldo.

"After the Australian Masters, which I am really looking forward to, I plan to do a bit of rehabilitation work. It is really a precautionary measure, but to do this I shall have to pull out of the World Cup.

"I am very disappointed but, as much as anything, this is to ensure that Paul is given enough notice to prepare properly and to give the team the best chance to win the event."

Sweden's Fredrik Jacobson has broken into the top 100 on the world rankings after winning his maiden European tour title at the Hong Kong Open.

Jacobson jumped 33 places into 84th spot in the rankings. His victory was just reward for a player that had finished second on six previous occasions.

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