Van de Velde a major doubt for Carnoustie

VERSAILLES, France, June 30 (Reuters) Jean Van de Velde's chances of playing in the July 19-22 British Open at Carnoustie are hanging by a thread after the Frenchman pulled out of international final qualifying due to illness.

The Frenchman, who is still remembered for his infamous collapse the last time the major was played there in 1999, could be out for months, his manager Jamie Cunningham announced today.

In addition to withdrawing from Monday's final qualifying at Sunningdale, the mystery illness could see him miss the Scottish Open, his last opportunity to qualify for Carnousite.

''Jean is to see a specialist on Tuesday and there could be a scenario where he could be out for two to three months,'' Cunningham said.

''He has not yet withdrawn from the Scottish Open but that will depend on the specialist's report.'' REUTERS BJR PM1605