Knee injury makes Olazabal a British Open doubt

By Tony Jimenez

LOCH LOMOND (Reuters) - Twice former U.S. Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal is doubtful for next week's British Open after an injury to his left knee forced him out of the warm-up event at Loch Lomond on Thursday.

"There is a question mark obviously," the Spaniard told reporters at the Scottish Open. "I will know by Tuesday.

"I am going to wait as late as possible to see if there is enough improvement. I will play 18 holes at home and if the knee stands up the following day I will travel."

Olazabal said he was okay swinging the club but had trouble with his mobility.

"I didn't play in the (pre-tournament) pro-am but I managed to hit a few balls," he said.

"That's not the problem, it's the walking. In the afternoon I got treatment. I went to bed last night and didn't sleep well and this morning it was the same again so there was no point trying to play."

Olazabal is clearly disturbed by the nature of his injury.

"I have had blood tests and MRI scans done. I have seen doctors and they gave me anti-inflammatory tablets," he said.