Andrea Pavan Injured in Elevator Fall, Withdraws from South African Open

Andrea Pavan, a two-time winner on the DP World Tour, suffered serious injuries after falling down an elevator shaft at his private accommodations in Stellenbosch, South Africa, ahead of this week's Investec South African Open Championship. The 36-year-old Italian professional withdrew from the tournament, which began Thursday at Stellenbosch Golf Club, and was replaced in the field by Scotland's Richie Ramsay.

The accident occurred when Pavan stepped toward an elevator whose doors opened on his floor, only to find the car absent, according to multiple sources familiar with the incident. He fell several floors, sustaining significant injuries that required hours of surgery. Officials with the DP World Tour confirmed the withdrawal due to injury but declined to provide further details on the circumstances or his medical condition. Sources indicated the injuries, while severe, do not appear life-threatening, and Pavan's condition was described as stable following the procedure.

The mishap took place away from the official tournament accommodations, highlighting a rare malfunction in what has been called a freak accident. No other players or staff were reported affected, and...