Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Clarke pulls out of Ryder Cup captaincy race
By Tony Jimenez
ABU DHABI (Reuters) - Former British Open champion Darren Clarke has pulled out of the race to succeed Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal as Europe's Ryder Cup captain.
Golfer Darren Clarke holds his OBE, for services to golf, which was awarded to him by Britain's Queen Elizabeth during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace in central London November 21, 2012. REUTERS/John Stillwell/Pool"I have been to see (Players Committee chairman) Thomas Bjorn and formally informed him I do not want to be considered for the Ryder Cup captaincy in 2014," the Northern Irishman told reporters on Tuesday.
"It was not a spur of the moment decision. I have been agonising over what to do since I showed a few glimpses of my old form in Thailand and Australia at the end of last year."
Clarke's withdrawal leaves the way clear for a two-horse race between former skipper Colin Montgomerie and Ireland's Paul McGinley.
The Players Committee meet in Abu Dhabi later on Tuesday and are expected to announce the new Ryder Cup captain.
Clarke, the 2011 British Open champion, was also a front-runner for the job until his odds lengthened when he hinted last week he wanted another shot at playing in the team.
Olazabal led Europe to a remarkable comeback victory over the United States at the 2012 Ryder Cup in Illinois.
(Editing by Pritha Sarkar)
- Hosts Malaysia make a tame exit at the hands of Germany
- BAM: There will be no more sweeping under the carpet
- It’s the last $traw thanks to the BWF
- Japanese upset Danes and Joo-bong is all smiles
- Denmark not prepared to take on mighty China just yet
- Tommy not afraid to play for country despite loss
- Dane loves to unwind with her Modern Family
- Low Wee Wern fails to clear opening round again in British Open
- Cyclists give the thumbs up to world-class velodrome
- Injured Murray withdraws from French Open
- I thought of pulling out after "stupid" Woods remark - Garcia
- Garcia sorry after "stupid" Woods fried chicken jibe
- Banker Carrion bids for IOC presidency
- Del Potro pulls out of French Open
- CAS reject Murofushi appeal against IOC election block
- Cycling: Wintry weather may force more Giro changes
- Cricket: Warner fined for Twitter outburst
- Garcia apologises for 'fried chicken' jibe at Woods
- Tomic will play French Open despite troubles - Woodbridge
- Winger Ioane faces fitness race for first Lions test
RSS
