Ferrie withdraws in Hawaii

England’s Kenneth Ferrie, lying joint 20th at the halfway stage of the Sony Open in Hawaii, withdrew without hitting another shot today because of a stomach virus.

The former European Open champion, who after a dreadful season at home came through the US Tour qualifying school last month, was playing the first tournament of his new career.

He opened with a four under-par 66 to be only two behind leader KJ Choi, but then fell seven back with his second-round 70.

Before Korean Choi had even teed off again his lead was cut to only one when New Zealand left-hander Tim Wilkinson, another qualifying school graduate playing just his third US Tour event, covered the first 17 holes in seven-under.

Swede Daniel Chopra, winner last week of the Mercedes-Benz Championship and second in the European Ryder Cup table, was alongside Wilkinson overnight on three under and improved to joint 15th spot with four birdies in six holes around the turn.