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Lawrie loses fizz after kicking soft drink addiction

Peter Lawrie has gone from being ranked just outside the top 100 to a ranking of 896 © Getty Images

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Golfer Peter Lawrie says his form has gone flat because he is trying to shake off a fizzy drinks addiction.

Lawrie, 40, claimed in an interview with Irish radio station Newstalk he was drinking several litres of cola a day and had a near-breakdown when he tried to quit.

At his sparkling peak, Lawrie won the Open de Espana in 2008, but has since slumped to a ranking of 896.

He said the final straw was when he finished 10th at the 2013 Irish Open.

"I cut fizzy drinks out completely and went from such a high on sugar to a dramatic low," he said. "I never recovered.

"I lost all confidence in myself. I wouldn't say I went through a breakdown but I definitely got exceptionally emotional.

"It was very difficult to deal with all of the situations coming at me.

"Whether that had anything to do with my mental state in any shape or form, I have no idea.

"I drink two or three cans a day [now] but I was drinking litres of the stuff. Even in the hottest country, like Malaysia, I'd have a cola on the golf course because I was addicted to it."

Lawrie is on the comeback trail, however, and he produced his most effervescent performance since kicking the habit when he finished tied for 16th at last week's Malaysia Open.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd