Bill Glasson latest to pull out: Watson In

Hampshire professional Scott Watson received the news he was hoping for - he is playing in the Open.

Watson, who on Monday at Montrose won a five-man play-off for the right to be first reserve, was called into the 156-man starting line-up when American Bill Glasson withdrew because of elbow trouble.

Glasson, with a history of injury problems during his career, did not travel to Britain and on withdrawing said he was taking a five-week break from the game.

Watson now tees off at 2.15pm in Thursday's first round with another American, Bob Estes, and Argentinian Angel Cabrera, runner-up to Sergio Garcia in the Irish Open two weeks ago.

Cheshire's Neil Price, beaten in a play-off at Monifieth, now moves up from second reserve to first reserve and if there are no further scratchings today will stand by the first tee from 7.15pm to 4.15pm tomorrow in the hope of somebody either pulling out - or getting stuck in traffic!

Glasson has had elbow surgery, four sinus operations, four knee operations, lip surgery and two forearm surgeries and eight years ago nearly filed for permanent disability due to lower back problems.