Campbell drops out of Hong Kong Open

Updated: November 20, 2008, 23:17

HONG KONG(AP) Michael Campbell dropped out of the Hong Kong Open after the first round with a right shoulder injury, casting doubt on whether the 2005 U.S. Open champion will play in the Australian Masters next week.

Organizers said in a statement on Friday that the New Zealander won't play in the second round after shooting a 1-over 71 on Thursday in the combined European and Asian Tour event, putting him seven shots behind leaders Richard Sterne and Liang Wenchong.

Campbell said in a statement Friday that his long-term health would take precedence over the Australian Masters scheduled for Nov. 27-30 in Melbourne, with his participation pending the results of an MRI scan on Monday in Sydney.

Campbell said the injury has bothered him since the British Open in July, but was so painful Thursday night that he had to call for a doctor.

"Whilst I am due to play next week's Australian Masters, I also see 2009 as a big year for me with the new Race to Dubai schedule,'' Campbell said, referring to the new European Tour schedule.

"So I have to be cautious and just take things from here.''

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