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July 14, 2016

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2 more exit Rio on eve of Open

ON the final day of practice before the British Open, two more golfers pulled out of the Olympics but major champions Danny Willett and Justin Rose remained on board yesterday.

Francesco Molinari of Italy withdrew because of family reasons without giving specifics. He will be replaced by Matteo Manassero, who tied for third in the Scottish Open last weekend.

Angelo Que of the Philippines gave up his spot in Rio de Janeiro, as well, saying he was concerned about the Zika virus. Rodolfo Cazaubon of Mexico is next on the list of eligible players.

In all, 20 male golfers have withdrawn from the Olympics, including the top 4 — Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy.

Britain, on the other hand, will have a strong contingent comprised of world No. 11 Rose, winner of the 2013 US Open, and ninth-ranked Willett, the reigning Masters champion.

Meanwhile, the last six British Opens held at Royal Troon have been won by Americans and Johnson, the hottest player in golf, looks like he has all the credentials to send the US into seventh heaven this week.

Not only did the big-hitting 32-year-old follow up his victory at last month’s US Open by capturing the prestigious WGC-Bridgestone Invitational title in Ohio, he also has a good record to boast about in the world’s oldest major.

Johnson has finished in the top 14 in four of his seven trips to the British Open and came within a whisker of landing the coveted Claret Jug in 2011 when he wound up in a tie for second place behind Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke.

“He has a lot of spotlight on him this week because he has won the last two events he’s played and they’ve been pretty big events,” No. 1 Day said on the windswept Ayrshire coastline.

“He’s typically played pretty well in the Open championship so he’s obviously going to be a very tough guy to beat.”




 

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