Knee injury makes Olazabal a British Open doubt

LOCH LOMOND, Scotland, July 12 (Reuters) Twice former US 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 today.

''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.

''I am going home and getting an MRI on my back tomorrow. I am trying everything because the MRI on the knee came back clean so something is causing it. We need to know what it is.'' Olazabal, who had been due to tee off in the first round at 1300 local time (1200 GMT) alongside British pair Colin Montgomerie and Ian Poulter, was replaced by compatriot Rafael Cabrera Bello.

The 41-year-old Spaniard, who won the Masters in 1994 and 1999, withdrew from the 1995 Ryder Cup with a foot problem.

He was eventually diagnosed with rheumatoid polyarthritis in three joints of his right foot and two in his left.

Olazabal returned to golf after an 18-month absence during which he could often not even get out of bed.

Reuters BJR VV1834