Tiger out of Open warm-up

Tiger Woods has pulled out of this week’s US Tour event due to illness.

The world number one had planned to make the Advil Western Open at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, near Chicago, his final warm-up before the Open at Muirfield.

But Woods, a two-time winner of the event, notified tournament officials today that he had decided to remain at home in Florida to rest before heading overseas.

‘‘Naturally, we are disappointed he has had to withdraw from this year’s Advil Western Open,’’ said John Kaczkowski, the tournament director.

‘‘We appreciate the ongoing relationship we have enjoyed with Tiger since 1992, when he competed in the Western Junior at Chicago Golf Club.

‘‘We wish Tiger all the best in his pursuit of golf’s Grand Slam this year and hope he will be able to compete next year in the 2003 Western Open.’’