World number two Phil Mickelson has confirmed he will not take part in the British Open which begins in Turnberry on Thursday. The American, who has been replaced by compatriot Ben Crane in the 156-player field, has pulled out so he can be with his wife and mother who are both battling cancer. Mickelson, who has contested every Open since he turned professional in 1994 but only finished in the top 10 once when he was third at Troon in 2004, confirmed his decision with an announcement on his official Web site, www.philmickelson.com.
