Defending champion Retief Goosen has been forced to withdraw from the Qatar Masters suffering from an eye complaint after undergoing laser surgery 10 days ago.

The 38-year-old South African travelled to Qatar intending to defend the title he won in sensational fashion last year with a birdie-eagle finish, but his vision in one eye began to blur during practice yesterday.

The two-time US Open champion immediately travelled to Dubai for further treatment yesterday afternoon and returned in the evening hopeful of still being able to compete.

But the 14-time European Tour winner was still having problems with his vision this morning forcing his withdrawal and also throwing his chances of appearing at next weeks Dubai Desert Classic into doubt after immediately returning to London for further treatment.

Goosen has been replaced by Sweden's Henrik Nystrom, who will now partner Denmark's Anders Hansen and Hong Kong Open champion Miguel Angel Jimenez.