Darren Clarke withdraws from Qatar Masters due to a chest injury

Former Open champion Darren Clarke has pulled out of the Qatar Masters due to a chest injury.

The Northern Irishman is said to have suffered the problem while practising on the Doha Golf Club range after the pro-am tournament on Tuesday.

According to BBC Sport, Clarke was advised by officials after hitting a few balls on the practice green that he was not fit enough to compete.

The 45-year-old would have become the 25th player to compete in 500 European Tour events had he been fit to continue.