Westwood optimistic after tests

Lee Westwood was involved in a hospital drama in Paris on Wednesday afternoon, but still hopes to play the Alstom French Open on Thursday.

There was real concern for the world number three after he was initially told that swelling in his right calf and ankle might be a blood clot.

But after pulling out of the pro-am at Le Golf National - as Ian Poulter, Colin Montgomerie and Matteo Manassero did for different reasons - and being driven away with his wife Laurae, further tests brought good news.

Management spokesman Stuart Cage said: "The doctor has decided there is no DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or blood clot and that the problem has something to do with a reaction to the heat.

"Lee is going to have an anti-inflammatory dressing put on the muscle and, if he rests up tonight, then hopefully the swelling will go down and he will be able to play tomorrow.

"He is certainly going to go to the course in the morning and make a decision then."

Westwood, who lost a play-off to Martin Kaymer last year, is this season skipping the Scottish Open, so this is scheduled to be his final Tour event before The Open at St Andrews.

Cage had earlier stated: "Lee felt pain in the calf and it was swollen yesterday, but when he woke this morning his ankle was swollen too.

"Obviously he has to take the doctor's decision seriously because it's a very important time of the year with The Open coming up."

Poulter will also make a late decision whether to compete after reacting badly to an insect bite on his right shin.