A back injury has forced Michael Long to withdraw from the Hong Kong team for this week's Nomura Cup.
American-born Long, a Hong Kong international stalwart since 1994, suffered a recurrence of back problems that have plagued him for several years after lifting a desk at the weekend.
Long informed non-playing captain Alec Pettigrew that he would not be fit to take part in the 18th Asia-Pacific amateur team championships that tee-off at the Hong Kong Golf Club on Thursday.
His place in the team will be taken by Doug Williams.
The three other members of the Hong Kong team are Eric Saxvik, Roderick Staunton and Lee Kam-chuen. Chris Fung moves up to first reserve.
Pettigrew said: 'I talked frankly with Michael on Sunday and he said he would fully understand if he was replaced. This morning he called me and said he would not be fit.
'He showed a lot of class in opting out at this time. Although we don't have to declare the final team until [tomorrow morning], it would not have been fair to call up somebody at such late notice.' As well as previously representing Hong Kong in the World Championships for the Eisenhower Trophy and the Nomura Cup, Williams finished second behind Staunton in selection trials last month.
