Injured Casey taking it easy

CASARES, Spain – Paul Casey is trying to shrug off a rib injury that could trouble his chances at the new-look World Match Play Championship.

The Englishman, who won the event in 2006, said Wednesday that his rib area was tender and tight as he gets ready to play a full event for the first time since July.

“Trouble is, there’s no way really of testing it until I’m out here in the mix playing golf,” Casey said at Finca Cortesin golf course, which is hosting the championship for the first time.

Casey is scheduled to open play Thursday against Scott Strange, while 16 players including Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Masters champion Angel Cabrera are all in action. Casey will also play two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen and Anthony Kim in Group A.

But injuries could be a factor in a tournament that has transformed from a straight knockout to a round-robin group format where the four winners will advance to Saturday’s 36-hole semifinals. Sunday’s final will also be 36 holes.

Martin Kaymer arrived with broken toes from a kart racing accident, Oliver Wilson has a neck problem and Jeev Milkha Singh of India is also experiencing foot troubles. (AP)