Garcia opts out of WGC-HSBC Champions

Spaniard turns down the opportunity to play in Shanghai and win three tournaments in as many weeks after Castello and Andalucia Masters double

Sergio Garcia

Sergio Garcia will not take up the chance to earn three tour victories on the spin after passing up on the WGC-HSBC Champions event in Shanghai this week.

The Spaniard's victory in the Andalucia Masters at the weekend qualified him for the event, but he has opted to rest instead of making the trip to China. Jim Furyk will now take his place in the event, which starts on Thursday.

Garcia is now back in the world's top 20 after his second win in as many weeks. He won the Castello Masters by 11 shots before beating compatriot Miguel Angel Jiminez by one shot on Sunday at Valderrama to complete a spectacular double.

Luke Donald, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods will also not feature in Shanghai as the leading players in the world prepare for the tournament.

Donald is expecting the birth of his second child, while Woods has failed to meet any of the qualifying criteria for the event.

European favourites Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer will now be looking to overhaul Donald's lead in the Race to Dubai standings with a good week in China.

McIlroy comes into the tournament in fine form having won the Shanghai Masters at the weekend, pocketing $1.25million in the process.

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