Tokyo (AFP)
World No. 1 Spanish golfer Jon Rahm has been forced to forfeit the Tokyo Olympics due to a positive Covid test, the Spanish National Olympic Committee (COE) announced on Sunday.
Rahm, who had finished third in the British Open on July 18, just before the start of the Olympics, had to undergo three PCR tests before heading to Tokyo, like everyone who has recently been to Britain.
The first two tests were negative but the third was positive, the COE said.
This is the second time that the Covid has prevented Rahm from taking part in a tournament.
The Spanish golfer had already had to withdraw from the Memorial PGA Tournament in the United States last June while leading the competition, after testing positive.
"Lack of time to find a replacement and meet all health protocols required for the Tokyo Games," Rahm will not be replaced, explained the WCC.
"Spanish golf will only be represented in the men's category by Adri Arnau."
Rahm's forfeit, one of the main medal chances for Spain, comes a few hours after that of the American Bryson DeChambeau, also tested positive for the coronavirus.
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