Injured Rory McIlroy won't defend British Open crown

Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from next week’s British Open at St Andrews after failing to recover from an ankle injury he sustained playing football.

Gullane (United Kingdom): Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from next week’s British Open at St Andrews after failing to recover from an ankle injury he sustained playing football.

“After much consideration, I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St Andrews,” the world number one said yesterday 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.

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