Stewart Cink is one of the nicest guys you can come across, but I must admit I was rooting for Tom Watson when the two went out for a four-hole playoff to decide the new Open champion at Turnberry.

Even though my head said it should be Cink coming out tops after the four holes - especially after he teed off with a two-iron on the first playoff hole which showed he just wanted to be patient, be in the fairway and not give his rival any undue advantage - the heart kept hoping Watson would somehow conjure some more magic and collect his sixth Claret Jug.

Had Watson beaten Cink, it really would have been the most remarkable sporting achievement of all times. But even in finishing second, his amazing run has been a fantastic advertisement of what a remarkable sport we play. Can you imagine any other sport where a 59-year-old stands a chance of competing against and have a genuine chance of beating a field of 155 men, most of whom were half his age?

Having said that, I must also add that this can happen only on a links course - where the premium is on accuracy and experience. It is impossible to imagine someone of Watson's age dominating a tournament on the other three Majors, which are played mostly on long, parkland courses.

Talking of Cink, it really is unfair that the whole world seemed to be against such a nice man. I have played with him a few times, including at this year's Masters where we were paired with Tiger Woods, and he is a great guy. But such is the stature, and the mystique of the man he was up against, not many prayers would have gone up for him.

Personally, my participation was restricted to the front of the TV after I had to pull out of the tournament on Tuesday. I had promised myself I would not play another Major if I wasn't 100 per cent fit, and the rib muscles were still hurting after my practice round on Monday. So, I decided to pull out and headed back straight to my hometown Chandigarh, where I have not touched a club since then.

I have also pulled out of this week's Sega Sammy Cup in Japan, where I was to defend my title. Two things - I love playing in Japan, and I have never missed the chance of defending my title. On top of the disappointment of not being able to play the Open Championship, it is indeed a pity that I cannot go and play the Sega Sammy Cup.

I hope my Japanese fans will understand and forgive me. It is important that I give the injury a sustained period of rest. It is better to take a strong and harsh decision now than aggravate the problem and regret even more.