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Defending champion Matsuyama withdraws from Phoenix Open

Donald Miralle / Getty Images Sport / Getty

There will be a new champion at the Waste Management Phoenix Open in 2018 after Hideki Matsuyama withdrew prior to the second round Friday.

The two-time defending champ pulled out of the tournament with a left wrist injury, according to the PGA Tour.

Matsuyama beat Rickie Fowler in a playoff in 2016, and defended his title last year by edging Webb Simpson with a birdie on the fourth extra hole.

The world No. 5 ranked player carded a 2-under-par 69 on Thursday, and was scheduled to play with Fowler and Simpson at 2:02 p.m. ET.

Matsuyama's last withdrawal came at the 2016 Honda Classic.

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