Duval Burns Thumb, Still Should Play

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — David Duval managed to avoid injury while snowboarding during the winter. The real danger came Friday morning from a teapot on the gas stove in his new house.

Duval, the No. 1 player in the world and one of the favorites heading into the U.S. Open, sustained second-degree burns on his right thumb and forefinger picking up a teapot.

Bev Norwood, a spokesman for Duval at International Management Group, said Duval is expected to play in the Open, which starts Thursday at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, although he may not practice again until Monday or Tuesday.

Duval could not be reached for comment.

The injury occurred after Duval moved into his new house in Ponte Vedra Beach on Monday. Norwood said the gas stove made the teapot handle hotter than the electric stove in his previous house, and that Duval didn’t realize it until he picked up the pot.

Duval already has four wins on the PGA Tour this year and has earned more than $2.8 million.