Thomas Pieters bee sting KLM Open European Tour

Omnisports

September 8, 2016 7:23 AM

Thomas Pieters will not defend his KLM Open this week after the Belgian announced he was pulling out with flu symptoms following a bee sting.

___5400876___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___5400876___2016___9___8___14___thomaspieters-cropped_5ds0t5bym2ao1o0k7l023hs68_2

Thomas Pieters will not defend his KLM Open this week after the Belgian announced that he had pulled out just hours before the start of the tournament after suffering a major allergic reaction to a bee sting.

Pieters was due to tee off in the European Tour event in Spijk on Thursday, but has been laid low after he was stung during a challenge match against Joost Luiten on Monday.

The 24-year-old won the Made in Denmark last time out and has since earned a place on Europe's Ryder Cup team for the showdown with the United States, which starts late this month, but will be unable to maintain his impressive form this week.

He revealed in a tweet: "The very unfortunate worst case scenario just happened.... One bee sting on Monday during the golf challenge against Joost Luiten led to a major allergic reaction with flu symptoms, and forced me to pull out of my favourite tournament of the year the KLMOpen.

"Very sorry to all the fans that are on their way to support me and to the organisation TIG Sports. I owe it to you guys to defend my title next year."

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

Omnisports