Indian Masters falls victim to financial crunch

GOLF: SELANGOR, Malaysia, Dec 6 - The Indian Masters, which was set to be played in New Delhi next February, was dropped from the 2009 European Tour schedule on Friday, becoming another victim of the global economic crisis.

The tournament, which was also part of the Asian Tour, was set to take place from February 5-8 at the Delhi Golf Club.

"We have done everything possible to ensure that the second edition of the Indian Masters was played in 2009," said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Vice Chairman and chief executive of organisers 'golf in Dubai'.

"But with this tournament we considered that the current economic uncertainty coupled to security concerns made it impossible for us to present the tournament in the manner that we would wish to for world class golfers.

"The inaugural edition of the Indian Masters created quite a buzz in India with the home-grown talent SSP Chowrasia beating a strong field to take the honours.

"The tournament, the first on The European Tour to be played in India, provided the home players an opportunity to hone their competitive skills in the company of some of the world's finest players and we are confident that we will achieve this again in 2010."

George O'Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: "We share with 'golf in Dubai' their disappointment that the Indian Masters will not be played in 2009. "We understand, however, the economic challenges they face with title sponsorship and we are optimistic that this event which was such a success when first played in 2008 at the superb Delhi Golf Club will return to the schedule in 2010 co-sanctioned by The European Tour, the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India." The cancellation of the Indian Masters is another blow for sport in the country. Last week's Mumbai bombings led to the cancellation of the last two one-day cricket internationals between India and England as well as the Twenty20 Champions League. England are still considering whether or not to resume their scheduled two Test tour of the country in light of the attacks. India has already lost two tennis tournaments in 2008. The 400,000-dollar ATP Bangalore Open, scheduled for September 29-October 5, was put off indefinitely after local organisers decided the southern city was unsafe to hold the event. The WTA Sunfeast Open, planned for Mumbai in October, was also called off. (AFP)