Continuing back spasms forced Tour de las Americas golfer Eric West to withdraw from the $70,000 Chile Open in South America this week.

Playing at the par-72 Haciendo de Chicureo course, West was two-over par after nine holes in the first round when he decided to throw in the towel, suffering the same pain which has plagued him in recent weeks.

"It felt like pins were being driven through the muscles on my back," West told The Royal Gazette.

The 24-year-old pro is scheduled to see a therapist and hopes to play in a few one-day tournaments on the Moonlightgolf.com Tour in Florida before rejoining the Tour de las Americas circuit once he makes a full recovery.

Meanwhile, former Nationwide Tour player Michael Sims and long-time friend Dwayne Pearman's chances of making the cut at the $100,000 Stockton Sports Commission Classic in California appeared bleak at press time yesterday.

Sims was in 141st position after carding a three-over-par 75 while Pearman was also three-over after nine holes.

The Bermudian pair shot identical rounds of even-par 72 during Thursday's opening round at the par-72 Brookside Country Club where frequent Bermuda visitor, Canadian Ian Doig is also competing.