Thomas Pieters: Bee sting rules Ryder Cup wildcard out of KLM Open

  • Published
Thomas PietersImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Pieters' most recent victory was at the Made in Denmark tournament last month

Defending champion Thomas Pieters has been forced to withdraw from the KLM Open in the Netherlands after suffering an allergic reaction to a bee sting.

The Belgian, 24, who was named as one of Europe's three Ryder Cup wildcard picks last month, was stung during a challenge match on Monday.

Pieters said the sting led to a "major allergic reaction with flu symptoms".

"I owe it to you guys to defend my title next year," the world number 41 added in a post on social media., external

There is no indication the allergic reaction will prevent Pieters from competing in the Ryder Cup, which starts at Hazeltine in Minnesota on 30 September.

We've launched a new BBC Sport newsletter, bringing all the best stories, features and video right to your inbox. You can sign up here., external

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.