Injured Federer and Nadal exit Qatar Open

Roger Federer explains his reasons for pulling out of the Qatar Open at a media conference.

• Roger Federer withdraws from Qatar Open with back injury
• Three-time defending champion was due to play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semifinals
• Top seed Rafael Nadal facing France's Gael Monfils in second semifinal
• Andy Murray sweeps into semifinals of Brisbane International

(CNN) -- 16-time grand slam champion Roger Federer pulled out of his defense of the Qatar Open Friday with a back injury.

Federer, the three-time defending champion at the season-opening tournament, was due to face France's jo-Wilfried Tsonga for a place in the final.

The Swiss maestro had nursed back spasms during his wins over Greg Zemlja and Andreas Seppi and undergone treatment between matches as well as taking painkillers.

But with the Australian Open looming on Monday week, the World No.3 decided against risking the injury against Tsonga.

"I hurt my back in my second round match (against Zemlja) and I don't see any improvement today," he told gathered reporters.

"I've played through two matches in pain and don't think it's the right thing to risk anything more now. It's the only right decision to make.

"It's only the second time I have pulled out from a tournament, and I have never pulled out during a match. It's a sad moment for me, the tournament, and the fans, but health comes first."

Federer sounded a cautious note ahead of the first grand slam of the season.

"Although it's not very good it's not crazy bad," he said.

"I have had bad backs on the past, but this is not very good, otherwise I would definitely be playing," added Federer, who is on a 20-match unbeaten run on the ATP Tour.

Tsonga will now go into his 13th career final, facing either World No.2 Rafael Nadal or fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils.

Earlier, Andy Murray raced into the semifinals of the Brisbane International with a straight sets win over Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus.

World No.4 Murray beat Baghdatis 6-2 6-2 and will play Australian hopeful Bernard Tomic for a place in the final in Queensland.

19-year-old Tomic beat Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin 6-3 7-6 in their quarterfinal match.

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Celebrity superyachts

(CNN) -- How much do you know about celebrities and their superyachts? Take our quiz and find out.

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Westwood wraps up Thailand title

Lee Westwood displays the winning trophy at the inaugural $1 million Thailand Golf Championship.

• Lee Westwood seals seven-shot victory at Thailand Golf Championship
• Westwood was claiming second win in three starts
• Fellow Englishman Ian Poulter takes Australian Masters title
• Poulter dons gold jacket after final round 67 in Melbourne

(CNN) -- Lee Westwood will move to number two in the world after completing a front-running victory at the inaugural Thailand Golf Championship Sunday.

Westwood held his nerve in the face of a determined challenge from U.S. Masters champion Charl Schwartzel to win by seven shots at the Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok.

Westwood's second tournament win in three outings came after Ian Poulter secured a three-shot victory in the Australian Masters in Melbourne, capping superb year for English golfers, with the rankings topped by Luke Donald.

The 38-year-old Westwood carded a final round three-under-par 69 for 22-under 266.

He had led by a staggering 11 shots after his two opening rounds of 60 and 64, which he described as "the best golf of my life."

But stablemate Schwartzel had closed to four shots overnight and the outcome remained in doubt until Westwood rolled home a pressure birdie putt to match the South African on the 12th and followed with another at the next.

Westwood, who has rejoined the U.S. Tour for 2012, has stepped up his efforts in pursuit of a first major title.

I'll go into the winter with a lot of confidence and I'll try to come out next year playing the same kind of golf as I played this week
Lee Westwood

"I'm going to continue to work on my fitness and all aspects of my game. I'm going in the right direction, I can see a lot of improvement and I'm happy with the way I've finished the year, I've won two of my last three events," he told Sky Sports.

"I'll go into the winter with a lot of confidence and I'll try to come out next year playing the same kind of golf as I played this week, a little bit leaner and well rested."

American Michael Thompson took third and another Englishman, Simon Dyson, finished in a tie for fourth at 12-under with Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol.

Earlier, Poulter came from two shots behind overnight leader Geoff Ogilvy to card a four-under-par 67 at the Victoria Golf Club for a 15-under aggregate of 269.

It was his second victory of an otherwise difficult season for the flamboyant 37-year-old, who already has his eye on qualification points for the 2012 European Ryder Cup team.

"To win this is the second highlight in what has been a tough year for me," Poulter told gathered reporters.

"To do this in a Ryder Cup year and move inside the top 20 on the world rankings means a heck of a lot."

Australian Marcus Fraser finished second with Ogilvy a further shot back in third.

Donald, who topped the money lists on the European and PGA Tours, could not round out a triumphant year as he finished with a 72 and a four-under total of 280.

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Australian named head of men's tennis

Previously head of the ATP International Group, Brad Drewett is now the ruling body's CEO.

• Former player Brad Drewett promoted to head of the ATP Tour
• Australian had previously run the tour's season-ending championship
• His appointment is welcomed by players' president Roger Federer

(CNN) -- Brad Drewett is the new head of men's tennis after being appointed as the ATP Tour's executive chairman on Thursday.

The London-based Australian, 53, will have a three-year tenure starting January 1 as successor to American Adam Helfant, who decided to stand down after a similar term.

"I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the ATP, an organization that I am proud to have been a part of since the beginning of my professional playing career," said Drewett, a former player who has run the tour's flagship season-ending event since 2001.

Tour finale serves up big business for men's tennis

Jamie Murray interviews Andy

"The ATP World Tour and men's tennis are stronger than ever and it is my intention to continue to lead the organization on this successful path, working hand in hand with our players and tournaments. I am very excited about the opportunities ahead."

O2 prepares for World Tour Finals

World No. 3 Roger Federer, who is head of the players' council, welcomed the promotion of the former head of the ATP's International Group.

"Brad is a very experienced executive and has been an effective leader within the ATP for many years," the 16-time grand slam champion said.

"He understands the global nature of the business as well as the complexities of dealing with all of the tour's stakeholders. I am confident that Brad's work ethic and leadership will help contribute to the continued success of the ATP World Tour."

Drewett won two junior Australian Open titles before reaching a career-high ranking of 34th.

He was elected to represent players on the ATP board before moving into the business side, and took the tour finals to Shanghai and before rebranding it in London in 2009.

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Discover golf's top luxury retreats

Mission Hills lies in the volcanic region of Hainan Island, China. The resort has 10 courses, with each one incorporating the native lava rock formations. There are also 518 guest rooms and suites, a three-story clubhouse and 12 restaurants in this impressive complex.

The WaterColor Inn and Resort on Florida's Gulf of Mexico offers luxurious waterfront accommodation and two 18-hole courses. The Shark's Tooth, as the name would imply, was designed by Greg Norman and is only available to guests at the resort.

The sumptuous St. Regis bar allows golfers to unwind after 18 holes with beautiful views of the Hawaiian sunset. Great for jazz lovers too, with Sundays traditionally hosting a jam session.

Perched on Hawaii's northern shore, the St. Regis Princeville Resort has 252 luxury rooms with 51 ocean-view suites. The 9,000-acre site provides stunning views of Hanalei Bay and the towering cliffs that served as the backdrop for the movie South Pacific. There are 27 holes at the Makai Golf Club, 18 of which were renovated and reopened in 2010.

The Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club has been rated as the best golf resort in Canada by SCOREGolf Magazine. Originally opened in 1925, it is located deep in the heat of the Canadian Rockies in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Elk, deer and wildlife roam free on the golf course at Jasper Lodge. Should an elk disrupt your chip to the green, a relaxing drink at the resort's luxurious Emerald Lounge bar is sure to calm your nerves!

Located on the tropical island of Roatan, 35 miles off the coast of Honduras, the Pristine Bay Resort is situated on a 400-plus acre site adjacent to the Caribbean Sea. The 120-room, five-star Resort and Spa at Pristine Bay is scheduled to open January 2012.

The world's second-largest barrier reef provides a stunning backdrop to the Black Pearl Course on the island of Roatan. The 11th hole also has its own unique features.

• Pristine Bay Resort is situated on a 400-plus acre site adjacent to the Caribbean Sea on Roatan
• Mission Hills lies in China's volcanic region of Hainan Island and has 10 golf courses
• Elk and deer roam free at Canada's Jasper Park Lodge, a UNESCO World Heritage site

(CNN) -- With the holiday season upon us, what better time to take a luxury break and get away from it all -- and relax with a few rounds of golf.

From volcanic islands to tropical paradises, wildlife sanctuaries and stunning mountain vistas, CNN has sought out courses that cater for the high end of the market.

Here are five of the best resorts around -- let us know if we have missed off your favorite luxury golfing retreat:

Mission Hills Hainan Resort (Haikou, China)

Situated in the volcanic region of Hainan Island, the resort houses a remarkable 10 golf courses, each incorporating the native lava rock formations.

Who will be the golf stars of 2012?

There are 518 guest rooms and suites, a three-story clubhouse, 12 restaurants, a fully-equipped sports and recreation center, an aquatic theme park, therapeutic volcanic mineral springs, a spa oasis and a shopping arcade.

The Blackstone Course is earning a reputation as one of the world's finest, and hosted the 2011 World Cup of Golf in November.

A premiere suite will set you back a cool $500 a night, while a round of golf is $200.

St. Regis Princeville Resort (Kauai, Hawaii)

Perched on the northern shore of the island, this resort reopened in 2009 after a $100 million refurbishment.

There are 252 rooms, of which 51 are ocean-view suites, and the resort incorporates 9,000 acres, providing stunning views of Hanalei Bay and its towering cliffs -- the setting for the movie South Pacific.

On the golf front, there are 27 holes on the Makai course, with 18 having been completely renovated in 2010.

Rooms at St. Regis begin at a cool $375 per night, while the Makai course costs $220 per round.

WaterColor Inn and Resort (Santa Rosa Beach, Florida)

Located in the Gulf of Mexico and recently named "Best Hotel in Florida" by the readers of Travel + Leisure, the U.S. resort offers luxurious waterfront accommodation, restaurants, a full-service spa, and two of the sunshine state's most celebrated golf courses.

An eye on 2012 with Rory McIlroy

One of these is Shark's Tooth, designed by golfing legend Greg Norman, which is a private course only open to guests at the resort.

It costs a whopping $525 a night to stay in a beach-view room, with a round of golf at Shark's Tooth setting you back another $95.

Pristine Bay Resort (Roatan, Honduras)

Located on a tropical island 35 miles off the coast of Honduras, the new Pristine Bay Resort is situated on a 400-plus-acre site adjacent to the Caribbean Sea.

The world's second-largest barrier reef provides a stunning backdrop to the Black Pearl Course, with the 120-room resort scheduled to open January 2012.

Residents and guests will have access to the ocean-front Bay Village with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, cafes and other entertainment options.

The cheapest rooms start at $300 a night, with a round of golf coming in at $150.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Alberta, Canada)

Set in the heart of the Rockies, this beautiful course is rated by SCOREGolf Magazine as the number one golfing resort in Canada.

Elk, deer and wildlife are able to roam free on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which opened in 1925.

Between May and October, the resort offers the "Ultimate Buddy Trip" for eight or more people.

At $3,125 per person it isn't cheap, but for your money you get a three-day/two-night stay in Milligan Manor -- the largest luxury cabin at Jasper Park Lodge -- two rounds of golf, a fly fishing excursion, whiskey tasting and a private outdoor barbecue with your own chef.

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Football: Spurs exit Europa League

Tottenham celebrate Jermain Defoe's goal just before halftime but they went out of the Europa League

• Tottenham Hotspur exit Europa League despite 4-0 win over Shamrock Rovers
• 10-man Rubin Kazan's 1-1 draw at PAOK Salonika secures their passage
• Standard Liege players wear black armbands after shooting tragedy in Belgian city

(CNN) -- Tottenham Hotspur secured an emphatic 4-0 win over Shamrock Rovers Thursday but still failed to make the last 32 of the Europa League.

Rubin Kazan's 1-1 draw at Group A winners PAOK Salonika gave the Russian side the point they needed to progress to the knockout stages as runners-up.

Tottenham, mounting a strong challenge in the English Premier League this season, had gone into the match in Dublin needed Rubin to lose in Greece while scoring five goals themselves against their Irish part-time opponents.

Leading 3-0 at halftime and with Rubin losing 1-0 and down to 10 men, Tottenham were on course for an unlikely passage but Rubin's Nelson Valdez equalized Vierinha's penalty for PAOK just after the break.

Steven Pienaar, Andros Townsend, with a superb strike and Jermain Defoe scored Tottenham's first half goals but Shamrock improved after the interval and might have pulled one back.

Substitute Harry Kane added a late fourth for Tottenham.

In other Europa League action Thursday, Standard Liege players wore black armbands against FC Copenhagen as a mark of respect to the three people killed by a gunman in the Belgian city this week.

The Group B winners went on to secure a 1-0 victory with Michy Batshuayi scoring the only goal in the 31st minute while Hannover, who had already sealed second spot, beat Vorskla 3-1 with goals from Konstantin

Rausch, Didier Konan and Artur Sobiech.

In Group C, Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven owed their 2-1 win over Rapid Bucharest to late goals from Stanislav Manolev and Tim Matavz.

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Is blue the new red? Madrid's clay revolution

Madrid's new blue clay court

• The 2012 Madrid Open is set to become the first tennis tournament to be staged on blue clay
• Organizers say blue clay rather than the traditional red will benefit spectators
• After years of negotiations with the ATP and WTA Tours the new clay has been ratified
• The 2012 Madrid Open will held at the Caja M�gica between May 4 and 13

(CNN) -- It's an idea that sits uncomfortably with tennis greats Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer but for the Madrid Open and their clay-court revolution, blue is the new red.

The 2012 installment of the $10.6 million tournament in the Spanish capital will be the first time an officially sanctioned Tour event will be played on a blue clay court -- a departure from the traditional red associated most closely with the French Open and Roland Garros.

It is the brainchild of Ion Tiriac, a former player who won a French Open doubles title in 1970, who is convinced the switch of colors will benefit the sport's star players and spectators watching in person and on television.

The blue clay is made exactly the same way as the red, with specially dyed bricks being ground into tiny fragments, before two different layers are spread over the court.

Tiriac also pioneered the first blue hard courts and says the switch to blue clay is a logical step.

"On the blue court, the contrast is much better," he told CNN. "I'm sure the spectators are going to say, 'Wow, we can see the ball better.' It's proved scientifically the ball and the contrast is at least 15 per cent better on the blue than the red.

The 2012 Madrid Open will be the first time an officially sanctioned tennis tournament has been played on blue clay.

Roland Garros is the Mecca of clay tournaments, its distinctive red surface an enduring feature of the French Open, held every year in Paris.

Madrid's blue clay is the brainchild of tournament consultant Ion Tiriac. He says the surface enhances the viewing experience for those in the stadium and watching on television.

The Madrid Open was a hard court tournament from 1990 to 2008 before it switched to clay in 2009. The 2012 version will take place at the Caja M�gica between May 4 and 13.

Clay was regularly used as a surface for tennis in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the U.S. Open was played on clay for many years at West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, New York, seen here.

Blue is the new red for Madrid

"I spent a lot of time thinking about the game, thinking about how can you be better, not only for the players, who are the most important thing on the court, but also for the viewers."

Tiriac's idea has been years in the making and involved prolonged consultation with the men's ATP Tour, the women's WTA Tour and the International Tennis Federation.

The blue clay has been ratified for use in 2012 and could become a permanent feature of the Madrid Open if organizers can satisfy the authorities, spectators, television companies and crucially, the players, come May.

I hope I don't have to play one day on blue grass
Rafael Nadal

But there must already be some trepidation in Madrid given that two of the game's biggest stars, who have a total of 26 grand slams between them, have already registered their skepticism.

Nadal Tweeted: "It's a shame because of the history and tradition of this surface. I hope I don't have to play one day on blue grass."

Federer said: "This is a long story, but I find it sad that you have to play on a surface the players don't accept. I find it sad that a player like Rafa, at a tournament in his own country, has had to fight against a surface that does not want to play on."

But Tiriac is convinced that once the pair have road tested Madrid's new color scheme, they will be converted.

He said: "As far as Nadal and Federer, they are great players and great human beings, I respect their opinion but I don't have to accept everything one player says.

As far as Nadal and Federer .. I respect their opinion but I don't have to accept everything one player says
Ion Tiriac, Madrid Open consultant

"This is a sport that is here for 100 years and is hopefully going to go another 100 years, I'm sure if they are going to play on it they will come to the right conclusion."

Tiriac says the new surface has been trialled on players in Spain's Davis Cup team and two-time major champion Marat Safin, all of whom gave the blue clay the green light.

He said: "We tested this all over three or four years ago and the players all said the clay plays the same only it is different color and you see the ball better."

Traditionalists are also yet to be swayed by Madrid's bold declaration that blue is the new red, with many iconic images of past tournaments showing players' pristine white outfits slowly becoming cloaked in red clay.

Tiriac acknowledges the cost is almost double that of the red clay but says the extra expense is worth it. He also admits improving the experience for television viewers is a major factor in the switch.

"It's very difficult to make changes, tennis makes very little change compared to other sports," Tiriac added. "To accept something new it is not easy but once you prove it is going to improve the game, people slowly accept it.

"We are dependable -- I don't want to say slaves to television -- but we are dependable on them and having the possibility to improve it for the television is instrumental."

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