Singh may pay dearly for doping gaffe

Former world number one Vijay Singh pulled out of the Waste Management Phoenix Open before the start yesterday after admitting he had used a deer antler spray which has previously been found to contain a banned growth hormone.

The 49-year-old Fijian, now facing the possibility of a worldwide suspension, withdrew after issuing a statement in which he said: “While I have used deer antler spray, at no time was I aware that it may contain a substance banned under the PGA Tour Anti-Doping Policy.

“In fact, when I first received the product I reviewed the list of ingredients and did not see any prohibited substance.

“I am absolutely shocked that deer antler spray may contain a banned substance and am angry that I have put myself in this position.

“I have been in contact with the PGA Tour and am cooperating fully with their review of this matter. I will not be commenting further at this time.”

Deer antler spray is manufactured by Sports with Alternatives to Steroids (SWATS) and it has been found to contain the banned IGF-1, a natural anabolic hormone that stimulates muscle growth.

The deer antler spray controversy clearly coloured the first round with only 37 players among the 132 not in red under par figures.

South African Richard Sterne was one shot off a new Emirates course record with a 10-under par 61 and one shot clear of Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher who snatched two eagles in a round of a nine under par 63.

Peter Lawrie was the only Irishman among the starting six to make any impression shooting a six under par 66 and his equal best round in 31 circuits of the Emirates course.

Damien McGrane signed for a 68, Gareth Maybin a 69, Michael Hoey a 71 but with Shane Lowry struggling with a two over par 74 and tied with Paul McGinley in 113th place.