Defending Champion Lilia Vu Withdraws From Chevron Championship

• Lilia Vu, world No. 2, withdrew from Chevron Championship due to back injury.

• Vu cited severe back discomfort during warmups before the tournament.

• She revealed grappling with a back injury for some time.

United States' Lilia Vu plays her tee shot on the 4th hole during her single match at the Solheim Cup golf tournament in Finca Cortesin, near Casares, southern Spain, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. Eu

AP

Defending champion and world No. 2 Lilia Vu made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Chevron Championship due to a back injury. The 26-year-old American cited severe discomfort in her back during warmups before the first round, leading her to conclude that she would not be able to compete at her usual level.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Vu revealed that she has been grappling with a back injury for some time. Despite her efforts to manage the issue, she experienced a setback on the day of the tournament. This forced her to prioritize her health and withdraw from the competition.

Vu expressed her disappointment at not being able to participate in the event and announced her immediate return home to seek medical advice on how to address her back problems moving forward. This is not the first time this season that the back issue has impacted her participation in a tournament.

During a pre-tournament interview, Vu acknowledged the challenges she has faced due to her injury. She described the past few months as rough and admitted to moments of emotional distress on the golf range when her back was unable to withstand the demands of the game. Despite these difficulties, she believed she was close to a full recovery, stating that she felt '95% there.'

As the reigning LPGA player of the year, Vu's absence from the Chevron Championship is a significant loss for the tournament. Her victory at the Women's British Open following last year's Chevron win underscored her talent and competitive spirit.

For now, Vu's focus will be on seeking the necessary medical attention to address her back injury effectively. The golfing community will undoubtedly be rooting for her swift recovery and return to the course in top form.

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