Miguel Angel Jimenez disappointed not to be able to defend title due to illness

Miguel Angel Jimenez has blamed a bout of food poisoning for failing to make the cut in the Hong Kong Open.

The Spaniard suffered through a poor first round of two-over 72, ending his bid to become the first player to win the competition five times.

"It is disappointing not to be able to defend my title because of my illness," Jimenez is quoted as saying by the South China Morning Post.

"Today, I was feeling a little better, but still not fit to hit the ball. I had to go to the toilet at one stage, and it was very difficult to come back."

Jimenez was victorious in Hong Kong in 2004, 2007, 2012 and last year.