Jose Maria Olazabal has pulled out of next week's Qatar Masters - but not to avoid questions about the Ryder Cup captaincy.
Olazabal is still battling to regain fitness after suffering rheumatism and is now targeting the Dubai Desert Classic in two weeks for his return to action.
That is where the 2010 Ryder Cup captain will be named and it is now thought Colin Montgomerie could be the choice, with Olazabal being earmarked for the following match in America.
