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The Open Odds: Woods out, McIlroy still strong favourite

The Open RSS / / 05 July 2011 /

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Tiger's troubled season took another bad turn when he withdrew from The Open

Tiger's troubled season took another bad turn when he withdrew from The Open

"Woods was matched at a low of [5.7] to win at Royal St George’s but had drifted out to around [27.0] before the announcement was made."

The three-time Open champion and one time market favourite announced today that he will not play in the 2011 tournament

Tiger Woods confirmed today what we have all suspected for some time - that he won't play in this year's Open Championship.

The three-time Open winner has been troubled by a leg injury for some time and last played competitive golf at the Players Championship, where he withdrew after nine holes.

Woods was matched at a low of [5.7] to win at Royal St George's but had drifted out to around [27.0] before the announcement was made.

Given the drift and his anticipated withdrawal the market has not moved a huge amount since the announcement - Betfair customers unwavering in their belief that Rory McIlroy should go off clear favourite for glory at Royal St George's.

The US Open champion trades at [7.2] to win the third major of the year - far clear of English rivals Lee Westwood ([12.5]) and Luke Donald ([19.0]).

Questions have been raised over McIlroy's preparation by Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington who have both criticised the US Open champion's three-week layoff since winning at Congressional.

Montgomerie and Harrington believe the attention McIlroy will receive could tire the 22-year-old before he reaches the first tee.

"When you've won and you go to your next tournament there are 155 other players and 155 other caddies who want to say: 'Well done,'" said Harrington.

All will be revealed at Sandwich in nine days.

* * *

Don't know who to back now Tiger isn't playing? Read Paul Krishnamurty's exclusive Open player profiles here: https://betting.betfair.com/golf/golf-events/british-open/hid-player-profiles/rory-mcilroy-2-040711.html

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