Race To Dubai winner Henrik Stenson has withdrawn from this week's South African Open due to an ongoing wrist injury.
Stenson, who clinched the 2012/13 European Tour season-long title by winning the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday, won the South African event last season.
"Despite my performance in Dubai, I am still having concerns about my wrist, and it really needs to rest," Stenson said.
"I realise this is disappointing to the organisers and my fans, but this decision was extremely difficult for me. I love this tournament and was always looking forward to coming back to defend my title.
"Unfortunately, in our line of business, we have to be very mindful of injuries and be careful not to make matters worse. I wish everyone participating in this year's SA Open a fantastic tournament."
Tournament chairman Khaya Ngqula said he understood Stenson's decision.
"I am disappointed that the South African Open supporters will not have the chance to see the European number one in action, but we have to respect Henrik's decision and we wish him a speedy recovery," Ngqula said.
The tournament, the first of the 2013/14 European Tour season, gets under way on Thursday.
It will still feature former major winners Charl Schwartzel and Retief Goosen, as well as European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley.
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