Desperate Des Smyth will play through pain in the Open at Muirfield today, after hurting his back while sleeping in his car.

The 49 year old took a nap in his car on Tuesday and damaged his lower back.

Now he has a stabbing pain in his leg and groin that could cause him problems in this morning's opening match of the Open.

"I feel like a right idiot," said Smyth. "I put the seat back, put my feet on the dashboard and closed my eyes for a while. When I woke up I had a pain in my leg and groin."

Smyth was scheduled to play a practice round with Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington yesterday but decided against it on medical advice.

"I went to the physios and they told me not to walk on it today. I have been given some treatment and I am taking anti-inflammatories as well.

"It has never happened to me before but I am determined to play. I really want to take part and if I feel bad in the morning the physios will give me painkillers so I can get round.:

Smyth has played in 21 British Opens since his debut at Carnoustie in 1975, but he has made the cut just six times.

"That's my main ambition, to make the cut. I'd be happy if I could do that."

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© Brian Keogh 2002

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