DAVID Howell’s Celtic Manor Wales Open is over after the Swindon star succumbed to a twisted ankle yesterday morning.

The two-time Ryder Cup ace, who also pulled out of the pro-am at the Newport course with a back strain, suffered the latest injury in a bunker on the 16th hole of his first round on Thursday.

He hobbled around to complete a one-over par score of 72 but, speaking to the Swindon Adveriser that night, suggested that if there was no improvement after a night of rest and icing the problem, he would be forced to pull out.

That came to pass yesterday as Howell didn’t make his scheduled 8.35am tee time.

It’s the latest in a long line of blows for the Broome Manor man, who has been plagued with injuries throughout his career.

He was joined on the Celtic Manor injured list by former Open champion Paul Lawrie with a foot complaint, Spaniard Pablo Martin because of his hand and South African Anton Haig because of his neck.

European Tour rookie Richie Ramsay takes a one-shot lead into the third round.

After becoming the first Scot in 108 years to win the US Amateur title three years ago Ramsay partnered Phil Mickelson at The Masters, Tiger Woods at the US Open and Padraig Harrington in The Open.

The 25-year-old from Aberdeen missed the cut in all three, but after rounds of 68 and 67 so far this week he is seven under par on the course where next year’s Ryder Cup will take place.

Englishmen Robert Rock and Ross Fisher are hot on his heels a shot behind.