Woods no play until 2010

NEW YORK, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Tiger Woods said on Monday that he will not play this year following a one-car accident last Friday outside his home.

Woods, minorly injured according to his statement, was scheduled to participate in his own tournament this week in Thousand Oaks, California, and hold a press conference on Tuesday.

He has cancelled his appearance at the 2009 Chevron World Challenge at the aftermath of the "much rumored" car accident, which involved a suspected drive chase by his wife Elin Nordegren Woods for an extramarital affairs.

"I am extremely disappointed that I will not be at my tournament this week," Woods said in a statement on his website.

"I am certain it will be an outstanding event, and I'm very sorry that I can't be there."

The statement said Woods would not play again until 2010.

Woods, 33, made no reference to the accident that took place early Friday. He was released from a hospital shortly after the incident following treatment for minor cuts and bruises.

Woods, who is deeply guarded about his private life, has not discussed details of the single car accident and three times refused to meet with police investigators. He released a statement on Sunday saying the situation was "my fault" and "embarrassing."

The circumstances of the accident have become a source of speculation around the world's most recognizable athlete, including whether he was having a domestic dispute with his wife and further questions about why he was leaving his home so late at night.

He dismissed the speculation as "unfounded and malicious rumors."

Driving his black Cadillac vehicle, Woods, who was alone, struck a fire hydrant while heading down his driveway in the Isleworth community near Orlando, Florida.