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Howell doubtful for Merit finale

The Englishman is currently third in the money list behind Paul Casey and Padraig Harrington.

"It is such a difficult decision to call," he said. "I could go out there and nudge it around, I'm not in massive pain, but I can't hit balls straight.

"My concern is I might tear something if I try to play."

The 31-year-old has a posture and spinal problem which manifests itself in his right shoulder.

I would have to pinch myself if I won the Order of Merit

Paul Casey

It has affected him for his last seven tournaments and caused him to pull out of the Las Vegas Open two weeks ago.

"I have a voice on each shoulder, one telling me to go home and don't be ridiculous, and one telling me to play on and try and win the Order of Merit," said Howell.

"I'm due to tee off late in the first round so I shall leave it to the last minute."

England's Casey is in pole position to claim his first Order of Merit title at Valderrama.

Casey, 29, leads nearest challenger Harrington by Ј147,041 going into the event, while Howell and Robert Karlsson are also in the hunt.

"I would have to pinch myself if I won the Order of Merit," said Casey.

"To be number one in Europe at the end of the year is a heck of an achievement for anybody."

Casey, who scored three points from four matches as Europe won the Ryder Cup last month, claimed the China Open last November and the Johnnie Walker Championship in June.

And he replaced long-time leader Howell at the top of the rankings by winning the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth in September.

"I feel very lucky to be ahead of 'Howler'," said Casey. "He has had injury and fitness problems for much of the year.

"If he hadn't I think David would have been so far ahead by now it would all be over."

Harrington's bid for the title was dealt a massive blow last week when he failed to make the cut at the Mallorca Classic and the Dubliner now needs a top-three finish to have any chance.

Source: www.read1stnews.com

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Howell doubtful for Merit finale

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