Singh pulls out of Open qualifier

Former world number one Vijay Singh has pulled out of the Open Championship qualifying event at Sunningdale on Monday.

Singh, who finished a shot behind winner Ben Curtis the last time the event was at Sandwich in 2003, has instead decided to play the FedEx St Jude Classic in Memphis and could still earn an Open exemption.

Swede Michael Jonzon comes into the 96-strong field as replacement – and Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley and Liverpool’s Nick Dougherty are now the first two reserves.

Ten places at Royal St George’s will be on offer for the likes of Thomas Bjorn, joint runner-up with Singh eight years ago after dropping four shots in the last four holes, and Colin Montgomerie.