Jeev pulls out of the Open

The nagging muscle injury which on Tuesday forced Jeev Milkha Singh to pull out leaves young Gaganjeet Bhullar as India's lone challenger at the British Open at the Turnberry Golf Course.

The nagging muscle injury which on Tuesday forced Jeev Milkha Singh to pull out leaves young Gaganjeet Bhullar as India's lone challenger at the British Open at the Turnberry Golf Course.

HT Image

Earlier in the day, Jeev, reigning Asian Tour No 1, withdrew due to a muscle injury in the rib-cage area.

Before he left Turnberry, Jeev had some advise for Bhullar.

"I told him to play some low shots, try to stay calm and be patient. When I was playing my first major, I was really nervous and I'm sure he's going to be too. But that's all part of learning and being a better professional," Jeev said.

The 38-year-old Indian, who has played 10 Majors in his career and made the cut in six of them, including a top-10 at PGA Championships last year, came to Turnberry hoping he had recovered from the intercostal muscle injury which has dogged him since the European Open almost two months ago.

"When I went out on Monday to play 18 holes, it was hurting. When I was taking deep breaths, it was also hurting and when that happens, you know it's back," said Jeev.