LARA REPLACES INJURED OLAZÁBAL
IN SPANISH TEAM FOR WORLD CUP

José Maria Olazábal’s persistent injury problems have forced his withdrawal from the Spanish team competing at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China. José Manuel Lara will now join forces with Miguel Angel Jiménez under their national flag in the 28-team field from November 22-25.
With the tournament being played over the course carrying the famous Olazábal signature at Mission Hills Golf Club, the Spanish team had hoped to carry a distinct advantage over their opponents.
However, Olazábal’s battle with rheumatism, affecting his shoulders and groin, has prematurely ended his 2007 season, much to the two-time Masters Tournament winner’s disappointment, given that he has not played since August and was hoping to return to competition alongside his good friend, Jiménez.
Olazábal said: “The joints in my shoulders and groin have been inflamed and even sitting down for any length of time has been painful. The good news is that the tests indicate a marked improvement and my long term aim is to get back in action in January. I believe I have another five or six good years in me and I want to get playing as soon as possible.
“I am devastated to miss the Omega Mission Hills World Cup as I was desperate to represent my country over a course I designed. I pushed as hard as I could to get there – even if it meant playing without any preparation - but it wasn’t possible. I have told my friends at Mission Hills how disappointed I am and I wish Miguel Angel and José Manuel the best of luck.”
Olazábal’s misfortune has opened the door for 30 year old Lara to make his debut in the event and to try to secure Spain’s fifth World Cup triumph with Jiménez – and the camaraderie will not be in any way diminished by the change in partner.
Jiménez was among the first to congratulate his compatriot when he secured his breakthrough maiden European Tour victory in the Far East a year ago, when he won the UBS Hong Kong Open by a stroke, having led for all four days in Fanling.
“Miguel knew the final round was a tough day for me,” recalled Lara. “I have been close many times in the past and he knew that. He said to me forget about everything and you are alone on the course. I tried to stay in my bubble and it was a great day.
“So of course, I am very happy to be playing with Miguel at Mission Hills. He has been a great help and friend to me, and I very much look forward to representing Spain and playing in this big tournament for my country.”
Jiménez and Olazábal had previously teamed up in the World Cup in 2000 at Buenos Aires, Argentina, where they finished seventh behind the United States, while Jiménez also came close to winning the title in 2004 in partnership with Sergio Garcia, finishing runners-up to England at Real Club de Golf de Sevilla, coincidentally another Olazábal-designed course.
“We nearly won in 2004 in Sevilla with Sergio where we came second,” recalled Jiménez. “We played very well that week but not quite well enough to lift the trophy which would have been great in front of the home crowds, but it wasn’t meant to be.
“But this year we will be trying our hardest again. I enjoy playing in China and have won in Shanghai and Hong Kong, so why not a win for Spain?”
Although he will be absent, Olazábal remains confident the course he designed will offer a fair but stern challenge to the 28 nations gathered at Mission Hills Golf Club.
“I hope the players enjoy the course and the challenges facing them,” he said. “I think you will see a bunch of birdies. The par-3s are not too long and the par-5s are reachable in two. You can attack the pins and there should be loads of birdie opportunities.”