R0bert Karlsson not defending Mercedes

Benz title in Cologne next week

Last season's European No 1, Robert Karlsson, will not be defending his Mercedes-Benz title in Germany next week.
Karlsson, who has been out of action since May because of an eye problem, has been suffering from a blister behind his retina – thought to be related to stress – and has been advised to take at least another two weeks off.
His manager, Lillian Jansson, said: "Robert's sight is not perfectly clear and he still has some problems with the in-depth sight, therefore he has chosen not to play next week in Cologne.
"It is essential that he is recovered 100% before he starts competing again since this type of injury very often comes back if you start putting pressure on the eye too early.
"He will see the doctor on Monday again and start practising full-time from Tuesday next week. He is aiming for a comeback at the Vivendi [Seve] Trophy in three weeks."
Karlsson was 12th in the world when he last played, at the European Open in May, but has dropped outside the top 20 during his absence. Apart from missing out on the last three majors of the season, the 40-year-old is also now missing at least the first month of the Ryder Cup points race.
He was one of the most impressive members of Nick Faldo's side in Kentucky last September and then won the World Cup for Sweden with Henrik Stenson.