Injured McIlroy to miss Open

Gullane - Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from next week's British Open at St Andrews after failing to recover from an ankle injury he sustained playing soccer.

"After much consideration, I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St Andrews," the world number one said on his Twitter and Instagram accounts.

"I'm taking a long term view of this injury and, although rehab is progressing well, I want to come back to tournament play when I feel 100% healthy and 100% competitive.

"Thank you for all your support and best wishes. I hope to be back on the course as soon as I can."

The Northern Irishman had been due to be the defending champion at St Andrews having won last year's Open at Hoylake.