LONDON - Germany's Martin Kaymer could deny England's Lee Westwood the chance to become golf's new world No 1, it emerged yesterday.

Westwood spurned the chance to end Tiger Woods's five-year reign when he failed to finish among the top two at the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland on Sunday, won by Ryder Cup teammate Kaymer.

Though Westwood was set to reach No1 on October 31 because Woods is not scheduled to play again this month, Kaymer's decision to play the Andalucia Masters from October 28 to 31 could disrupt Westwood's plans.

The 25-year-old German is ranked fourth in the world and has a chance to leapfrog both Westwood and Woods at the Spanish event.

Westwood's challenge at the Dunhill Links wilted after he suffered a recurrence of a calf injury that had forced him to take a six-week layoff prior to the Ryder Cup.

He does not plan to return before the World Golf Championship-HSBC Champions in Shanghai at the start of November, which is scheduled to be Woods's next appearance.