Rosales gives up World Cup stint

Jennifer Rosales has decided to forego her participation in the Women’s World Cup to honor a previous commitment, forcing the Philippines to withdraw from the event slated Jan. 19-21 in Sun City, South Africa.

Rosales, on her final buildup for the new LPGA season, was set to renew her partnership with Fil-Am Dorothy Delasin after the Philippines, which finished joint second in the inaugural staging of the event in 2005, was included in this year’s 22-team roster featuring some of the top two-woman teams in the world.

But Rosales’ last-minute decision pulled the Philippines out of the event, which offers $240,000 purse (P12 million) to the winner. The ace Filipina shotmaker also withdrew last year with Delasin and fellow Fil-Am Ria Quiazon taking the spot only to finish second to last in a field of 20.

"She’s not playing in the World Cup," said Jennifer’s brother Gerald. However, the Asian Tour veteran campaigner did not elaborate.

It was previously reported that Rosales has a corporate outing with executives of a big Hong Kong firm scheduled in the same week of the World Cup.

Rosales is gearing up for a big rebound on the LPGA Tour this year after a forgettable 2006 season where her campaign was stymied by injuries and a swing change towards the latter part of the year.

But she performed creditably well in last month’s Lexus Cup in Singapore where she beat Sheri Steinhauer in singles play and helped Asia win over the International team that netted her $50,000, her biggest paycheck in 2006.

Rosales, meanwhile, is expected to join a slew of personalities gracing the opening rites of the RP Ladies Open today at The Country Club. — Dante Navarro