Frittelli new jolly as Oosthuizen withdraws

Live on Sky Sports from 8.30am Thursday

Louis Oosthuizen withdrew from the Joburg Open on tournament-eve after injuring his hand in a freak accident with an airport trolley.

The ante-post 11-2 favourite trapped his fingers with the subsequent swelling meaning that gripping golf clubs is too painful. Dylan Frittelli, who won the Mauritius Open on Sunday, has taken over at the top of the market.

“I was really looking forward to playing this week,” said Oosthuizen. “I had a goal of getting back in the top 20 of the world rankings by the end of the season. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen.”

Joburg Open outright preview

Frittelli, a 15-2 chance after the departure of Oosthuizen, tees off at 9.05am UK and Ireland time in round one. Frittelli faces the easier Bushwillow course, so will be looking for a fast start, before tackling the slightly tougher Firethorn layout in round two.

First-round threeball punters should consider Erik van Rooyen, who has been full of form and confidence in Challenge Tour events far from South Africa, and is licking his lips at the prospect of competing at home. Van Rooyen can outscore James Morrison and Doug McGuigan in the 8.45am Bushwillow contest.

Recommendation
E van Rooyen
1pt 7-4 Coral, Ladbrokes

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