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Oliver Wilson retires from Portugal Masters

Friday, 17 October 2008
Shane Fox
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Wilson out of Portugal Masters

Ryder Cup rookie Oliver Wilson retired from the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura yesterday after suffering discomfort in his neck.

By the time Wilson finally decided to call it quits he was already sitting at four over-par after just eight painful holes.

"I went to get out of bed and felt it go,” said Wilson. “I had some physio, took some pills, but when I went to the range to warm up I could only swing it about three-quarters at best.

“Normally it loosens up reasonably quickly, but I couldn't reach a couple of holes and it was pointless really."

Wilson impressed on his Ryder Cup debut in September despite Europe’s defeat, but has suffered mentally and physically since Valhalla.

The 28-year-old from Mansfield pulled out of the British Masters at The Belfry due to fatigue, and will now face a battle to gain a spot at next April's Masters.

At 51st in the latest rankings for the Masters, Wilson needs to edge his way back into the top 50 to avoid missing out on a debut appearance in Georgia.

Meanwhile, the in-form Swede, Robert Karlsson, seeking a third straight win, forced himself into contention in Portugal with a neat 69 to help cement his grip on the European Order of Merit title.