British golfer Charley Hull was forced to withdraw from the Evian Championship after collapsing twice during her opening round at the French major.
The world number 19 was stretchered off the course on a medical cart on Thursday morning after suffering what broadcasters reported was an unspecified virus.
Hull, 29, had been performing admirably despite her illness, sitting at one under par through 12 holes when the medical emergency unfolded.
The Englishwoman's quest for a maiden major title came to an abrupt and distressing end at Evian-les-Bains, leaving her playing partners to complete their rounds without her.
Charley Hull collapsed twice on course before she was stretchered off
X/PA
The drama began at the third hole, where Hull was seen sitting beside a fairway bunker, visibly unwell.
Her caddy Adam Woodard held an umbrella over her as she struggled with her condition.
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After a 15-minute medical timeout, during which the trailing group was permitted to play through, Hull attempted to continue.
She managed to hit her tee shot at the fourth hole but immediately collapsed to the ground after completing her swing.
"I was playing pretty well, but I feel faint," Hull said whilst being transported on the medical cart, according to reports.
The golfer, who was also experiencing vision problems, expressed frustration at having to withdraw from the tournament.
Hull had started her round on the 10th tee and managed three birdies against two bogeys on the front nine before the incident occurred.
The two-time LPGA winner currently sits 19th in the world rankings and has been knocking on the door of major success recently.
She finished tied for 12th at both the Women's PGA Championship and US Women's Open earlier this year.
Her best Evian Championship performance came in 2022 when she shared third place.
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Charley Hull needed to be stretchered off in serious scenes
NBC
"She's always one of those players that you get excited about watching, because her game is so entertaining. It's really disappointing," Sky Sports pundit Trish Johnson said.
The incident raises immediate concerns about Hull's participation in the upcoming Scottish Open next week and the AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl from 31 July.
The Women's Open represents the final major championship on the calendar this year.
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"Gutting, isn't it. This is a big three weeks in women's golf," Johnson observed, highlighting the significance of the tournaments ahead.
Reports indicated that Hull was sitting up and talking as she left the course, offering some reassurance about her condition. Hull's management has been contacted for an update on her health status.
Several other players at the Evian Championship, including Swedish US Open champion Maja Stark and Chiara Tamburlini, have also been battling viral infections in recent days.