Ailing Bjorn awaits further tests in San Francisco hospital

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

LONDON (Reuters) – Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn is still
recovering in a San Francisco hospital from the viral infection
that forced his withdrawal from last week’s WGC-American
Express Championship, his management company said on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old Dane, who pulled out before Sunday’s final
round at San Francisco’s Harding Park Golf Course, is expected
to make his European Tour return at the season-ending Volvo
Masters in Spain later this month.

“Thomas is still in hospital having tests,” said a
spokeswoman for the International Management Group (IMG). “Some
of the tests have already come back saying negative, which is
good news.

“We are now waiting to find out when he can leave and come
home to get some rest and recuperation.

“Although the viral infection was serious enough to get him
into hospital, he seems to be more or less fine now. The viral
infection could be the same problem he had in the UK during the
Seve Trophy.”

Bjorn, who has represented Europe on two triumphant Ryder
Cup teams, suffered from influenza while playing for
Continental Europe against Britain and Ireland at last month’s
Seve Trophy in County Durham, England.

He spent three days in hospital after his team were beaten
by 16-1/2 points to 11-1/2 before deciding to make the trip to
California for the third WGC (World Golf Championships) event
of the year.

Bjorn, who came close to winning his first major at the
U.S. PGA Championship in August before finishing a stroke
behind winner Phil Mickelson, will almost certainly end his
2005 European Tour campaign at Valderrama from October 27 to
30.

“He had entered next week’s Mallorca Classic but he
certainly hasn’t confirmed it on his playing schedule,” said
the IMG spokeswoman.

“It now looks as if his chances of playing in Mallorca are
unlikely and that his final event on the 2005 European Tour
will be the Volvo Masters.”