Matthew is named new cup captain

EUROPE’S bid to regain the Solheim Cup has suffered a major blow after Suzann Pettersen was forced to withdraw due to a back injury.

Pettersen, who will be replaced in the side by assistant captain Catriona Matthew, had been receiving treatment since arriving in Des Moines, Iowa, for the biennial contest against the United States.

However, the 36-yearold was still suffering persistent pain from a slipped disc and had little option but to pull out of Annika Sorenstam’s side.

“I have made this extremely difficult decision to help the European team and give my team-mates the best possible chance of success,” Pettersen said.

“There was no guarantee I would be fit to compete tomorrow morning and I did not want to play unless I was able to give 100%.

“I truly love the Solheim Cup and I will stay and support my team this week.”

Sorenstam nominated Matthew as her alternate when she selected her four wild cards after the Ricoh Women’s British Open earlier this month.

Sorenstam said: “It’s unfortunate Suzann has to withdraw.

“The Solheim Cup has been such an important part of her career.

“It was a very tough decision but I am proud of her and she will still be a leader this week.

“Catriona is a proven Solheim Cup performer who will be able to step right in and play. She’s ready to go.”

BRANDT Snedeker is taking an “indefinite” break to recover from the rib injury which has kept him out of action since June.

Snedeker, who won the European Tour’s Fiji International last October, withdrew from the Open the day before the first round and has not played since.

The 36-year-old said: “I have not progressed in my rehab like I would have hoped and will be shutting it down for an indefinite period of time until I get back to 100%.”